Wales defender Ben Davies issues warning ahead of Serbia game

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Ben Davies (right) in action for Wales against Georgia
Ben Davies (right) in action for Wales against Georgia

Ben Davies says Wales cannot afford to slip up against Serbia next month if they are to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Wales lost ground in their bid to qualify for Russia 2018 when they were held to a 1-1 draw against Georgia at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Wales manager Chris Coleman claims that two games in four days has taken its toll on his side as they drew 1-1 with Georgia at the Cardiff City Stadium

That result saw Wales drop from top to third place in Group D, two points behind Serbia and the Republic of Ireland.

Group leaders Serbia are Wales' next opponents in Cardiff on November 12, and Tottenham defender Davies admits the game has taken on extra significance after they dropped two points against Georgia.

"It's definitely a big game now," said Davies. "It's one we really have to get something out of.

"It's a game we really need to get ourselves together for. We have to look back at what went wrong and rectify it."

Gareth Bale celebrates his goal but it was not enough to secure victory in Cardiff
Gareth Bale celebrates his goal but it was not enough to secure victory in Cardiff

Wales can at least take comfort from the fact that in recent times Chris Coleman's side have bounced back from disappointing results.

The 2-1 defeat to England at Euro 2016 was followed by the impressive 3-0 victory over Russia which booked their place in the last 16 of the tournament.

And Wales' first game after the semi-final defeat to Portugal in France saw them open their World Cup campaign with a 4-0 thrashing of Moldova.

"It's obviously about bouncing back now," added Davies.

"But it's still early days in the campaign and it [the Georgia result] just means we are going to have to take points off one of the so-called bigger boys in the group.

"We are a better side than we showed against Georgia. It's not a great result but we can't afford to dwell on it.

"It is easy to say, but we have to go away and focus and get ready for the next one."

Wales hope to have key midfielders Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey available against Serbia after they missed the draw against Georgia because of hamstring trouble.

Highlights from Wales’ Group D World Cup qualifier against Georgia at the Cardiff City stadium

Serbia look likely to be Wales' biggest test in the group after they moved in to top spot by beating Austria 3-2 on Sunday night.

"After the success we have had for the last couple of years sometimes it brings you back down to earth," said Davies.

"It was tough and Georgia made it difficult for us. Of course, we feel it but sometimes it is hard to rectify that on the field.

"We need to refocus on performing for 90 minutes, and not just the start of games."

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Source : skysports[dot]com

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