Wilson to reign for Wales after Bale - Thomas

Harry Wilson's last Premier League start was on the final day of last season

Sorba Thomas says Wales team-mate Harry Wilson is the ideal player to succeed Gareth Bale as a talisman for the national team.

Attacking midfielder Wilson scored the only goal as Wales beat Montenegro in Cardiff on Monday to continue their unbeaten start to life under Craig Bellamy.

Fulham’s Wilson has scored five goals and produced three assists in his last nine international appearances.

The 27-year-old has found the target in three successive games, a feat last achieved by a Wales men's player by Bale at Euro 2016.

"For me there is no better player than Harry Wilson to take [over after] the reign of the man himself, Gareth Bale," said Nantes winger Thomas.

"For me he [Wilson] is the best around. He is a talented guy, he is a pleasure to be around in the changing room - a happy, bubbly person.

"He is soon going to be a Welsh legend."

Bale was the key figure during a golden period which saw Wales qualify for three major tournaments.

A five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Bale is Wales' most-capped male player and record men's goalscorer - hitting 41 goals from 111 internationals.

Wales have been attempting to fill the hole left by perhaps their finest ever player since Bale called time on his stellar career in January 2023.

Thomas, who is on loan at French Ligue 1 club Nantes from Huddersfield Town, says he is "confused" as to why Wilson does not play more regularly in the Premier League.

The former Liverpool player has made only three substitute appearances in the top flight so far this season.

While Wilson faces a battle for game time at club level, he has become a central figure for Wales, with his penalty against Montenegro taking him to 12 goals in 58 international appearances.

Wales have looked to the likes of Harry Wilson (right) to fill the void left by the retirement of former captain Gareth Bale (left)

"I am learning from him. I am trying to bring that ruthlessness out of myself which he has," Thomas added.

"He is a massive part of what the gaffer [Bellamy] wants to do. He is going to get better and better and make us better and better."

Wales' win over Montenegro means they are unbeaten in four Nations League games since Bellamy was named successor to Robert Page in July.

They are second in League B Group 4, two points behind leaders Turkey, who they face away from home on 16 November, before rounding off the competition with a home game against Iceland three days later.

"For us [finishing] number one is the aim, to show that we have come a long way and to keep the momentum going," Thomas said.

"There are two massive games coming up, one away and one home, so for us it's about hopefully bringing back six points."