Wales v Netherlands: Players have to step up, says Joe Allen

Joe Allen says Wales' players will have to "step up" against Netherlands in the absence of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

Real Madrid's Bale and Arsenal's Ramsey will miss the 13 November friendly.

But Liverpool midfielder Allen, 25, believes Wales can cope without their high-profile players.

"We saw in our qualifying campaign, whenever players were out, the difference maybe in this Welsh squad versus previous ones." Allen said.

"There are players that can step in and they know exactly what they have to do and the role they have got to play.

"More importantly they have the talent and ability to do that."

Forward Bale will remain in Spain to undergo special training after playing only 45 minutes for Real since 13 October because of a calf injury.

Ramsey will also miss the match at Cardiff City Stadium with a hamstring injury he suffered in Arsenal's Champions League win over Bayern Munich on 20 October.

Both players also missed Wales' last game against the Dutch, a 2-0 defeat in June 2014 which saw Allen captain the national side.

While Wales qualified for next summer's European Championship finals in France, the Netherlands failed to make the cut.

Former Swansea City player Allen says they will be good opposition for Chris Coleman's team.

"I know they haven't qualified but they're still a top team in world football, full of quality," Allen added.

"These are the games where you get to test yourself and perfect preparation for what is going to be a brilliant competition next summer.

"It's a chance for us to get our ideas across and how we are going to approach the tournament."

Watch the full interview with Joe Allen on Sport Wales on Friday, 6 November at 19:00 GMT on BBC Two Wales