Nations League: Ethan Ampadu and Chris Mepham out of Republic match

Ethan Ampadu became the youngest player to play a competitive game for Exeter City in 2016 at the age of 15

Wales will be without Ethan Ampadu and Chris Mepham for their Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland.

Ampadu, 18, was replaced 50 minutes into Wales' 4-1 friendly defeat by Spain with a knee injury which has ruled him out of Tuesday's game.

Mepham, 20, missed the defeat by Spain in the hope he would be fit to face the Republic, but he has returned to Brentford and will not feature.

Uncapped duo Gwion Edwards and Kieron Freeman have been called up.

Other than the absent Ampadu and Mepham, Wales boss Ryan Giggs could have a near-full squad to choose from.

However they are still waiting on the fitness of talisman Gareth Bale, who missed the Spain friendly with muscle fatigue.

The 29-year-old Real Madrid forward must train on Sunday to have any chance of playing on Tuesday evening.

Wales have the hunger

Wales' friendly against Spain was held at the Principality Stadium, the first time a Wales international football match has been played there since 2011

Despite the injuries, Wales defender Chris Gunter is confident that Wales can handle the Republic of Ireland's combative style.

Ryan Giggs' side were badly exposed by classy visitors Spain in Cardiff on Thursday, but Gunter said Wales' hunger to succeed should not be questioned after that friendly loss.

"Over a long period, I don't think a lack of fight or desire can be labelled at this squad," said the 90-times capped Reading defender.

"We have enough credit not to be accused of that.

"We gave away goals early and then Spain kept the ball. It looked worse than it was.

"Ireland will be a little more physical, but we have stood up to them before and we can look back at those experiences knowing we can deal with them."

David Brooks provided the cross for Sam Vokes' headed goal against Spain

Wales midfielder David Brooks expects a "tough test" in Dublin, and says Martin O'Neill's side will be looking for revenge after Wales beat them 4-1 in their Nations League opener last month.

"They'll want to put [right] what happened at our place," he said, "hopefully we can get the same result again."

Brooks said Wales will be looking to put the disappointment of Spain behind them and "try and take the positives out of it".

"There are always going to be ups and downs whatever the age group, whatever age the players," he said.

"When you play someone like Spain, you always have the possibility these results may happen.

"They've got a lot of quality players who play for high quality teams. We're still a team that's learning so we've got to take it on the chin."