Wales chief Jonathan Ford hints at new contract for Chris Coleman

Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford has revealed contract talks have begun with Chris Coleman and says the Wales manager is doing a "fantastic job".

The ex-Fulham boss has a contract until the summer of 2014 and Ford says he has met Coleman to discuss an extension.

Coleman is keen to continue as Wales boss and is confident on a new deal.

"I'd be lying if I said conversations hadn't been had and those conversations are still ongoing," Ford said.

"We're very much looking forward to the next qualification matches; we're looking even more forward to the qualification for Euro 2016 in France.

"Let's remember those teams move from a 16-team tournament to a 24-team tournament, it's probably our single best chance of qualification over the last decade so I'm really looking forward to that.

"We need to make sure we've got the right man in place. Personally I think Chris is doing a fantastic job, let's hope he stays with it."

Wales drew 0-0 with the Republic of Ireland in a friendly international at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday, as they prepare for remaining World Cup qualifiers qualifiers away to Macedonia on 6 September and then against Serbia in Cardiff four days later.

Coleman's side are realistically unlikely to qualify from Group A as they are lying 13 points behind leaders Belgium and 10 adrift of second-placed Croatia.

The group fixtures conclude with the return against Macedonia on 11 October, then a trip to face Belgium on 15 October.

Wales lost their first four games under Coleman, including a 6-1 away defeat by Serbia in the current World Cup qualifying campaign, but results and performances have steadily improved.

A good run of results in their final four Group A games will help Wales in the seedings when the qualification draw for Euro 2016 is made.