Chris Coleman: Youngsters can sway boss to stay with Wales, says Andy King

Wales midfielder Andy King believes the emergence of talented youngsters could help convince Chris Coleman to stay as national team coach.

Coleman’s contract expires at the end of this month after friendlies with France and Panama.

The Leicester player says it is “massively important” Coleman stays on.

“You are well aware of what the players think of him as a man and a manager, the things he has achieved have been absolutely outstanding,” King said.

“It’s a good relationship we have going and hopefully one which will continue,” he added.

The Wales squad has assembled for the first time last month’s 1-0 defeat by the Republic of Ireland ended their chances of World Cup qualification.

King, a Premier League winner with Leicester in 2016, said it was “business as usual” for the squad, who are preparing to face France in Paris on Friday.

Coleman’s contract talks with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) are on hold until after the two friendly matches, which conclude with Panama visiting the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, 14 November.

The manager has so far not indicated whether he intends to stay on.

Coleman hopes to use these two friendlies to give international experience to exciting prospects Ethan Ampadu, who joined Chelsea in July, and Sheffield United winger David Brooks. Liverpool’s teenage forward Ben Woodburn is already a key part of the squad.