Now the world will know Wales ISN'T in England

IAN RUSH believes reaching their first World Cup finals since 1958 has at last placed Wales on the international map.

- JOHN RICHARDSON

It means that the legendary Welsh striker will not any longer suffer the embarrassment of explaining that his country is not part of England.

That will definitely be cleared up when England and Wales meet in Qatar in a Group B qualifying game on November 29.

Rush was in Cardiff last Sunday to witness the ending of 64 years of World Cup hurt.

And he praised the work of former Wales manager Gary Speed and Crystal Palace No.2 Osian Roberts, in his previous roles as the Dragons' technical director and assistant boss.

Rush explained: "I have travelled to the Middle East over the past 10 years and I have often been asked if Wales is in England.

"No one is disrespectful, but emphasising to the world that Wales is a country in its own right is one reason why getting to the World Cup finals is so important.