AARON Ramsey and Newport's James Collins have both withdrawn from the Wales squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

Arsenal midfielder Ramsey has an ankle injury while West Ham's Collins is struggling with a sore knee.

Gareth Bale joined the squad today but a foot injury means that the player linked with a move from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid is not expected to play.

Bale is said to have been nursing a "minor injury."

"Unless we are told that he is unavailable, we will just do what we've always done, and that is expect him to be there," said manager Chris Coleman on the day he named his squad.

"I am sure with what is going on in terms of the transfer, there is a lot on his mind and Tottenham's mind.

"I don't get involved with what is going on with Gareth's transfer. Whatever is going to happen is up to Tottenham and Gareth. We have picked the squad, and he is in it."

Andrew Crofts and Jazz Richards have been named as replacements for the clash in Cardiff on Wednesday.