CHRIS Coleman is praying Gareth Bale will be physically and mentally ready to play a part in Wales' World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Serbia.

Tottenham winger Bale has been at the centre of a long-running saga over his proposed world record move to Real Madrid, and Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has said a deal could happen "very, very soon".

Coleman spent the majority of the build-up to Wales' friendly meeting with the Republic of Ireland earlier this month talking about Bale's importance to Wales, although the 24-year-old played no part due to a foot injury.

With the former Fulham boss desperate for Wales to finish third in Group A to secure an easier draw ahead of an expanded Euro 2016 tournament, Bale's star quality would be sorely missed in the upcoming double-header.

The Wales boss said: "The situation has been ongoing for some time, is he going or not?

"From our point of view, we wish it had happened by now for him to be settled.

"I don't have to say how important Gareth Bale is to us so it's a worry for us, for me that we don't know if he is staying or going.

"It's worrying not just for him physically because he has not played any football but also psychologically. It's always unsettling.

"I've been a player on the verge of a move, albeit nothing on this scale, so I know it's not easy for him.

"It would affect anyone. We're talking about a world record transfer to one of the biggest clubs on the planet so I am sure, psychologically, it is not easy for him.

"I just hope and pray we get him for these two huge games.

"As far as we're concerned he is in the squad and we expect him to be here until we are told otherwise."

If the move does go through, Coleman knows it will be important to establish a positive relationship with Real boss Carlo Ancelotti in order to be sure of Bale's availability for international duty.

"Perhaps it's up to me to go out there, sit down with them and introduce ourselves," he said.

"They have to know how important Gareth is to us. They could be forgiven for thinking Wales is a small football nation, a small country, but it will be up to me to explain the importance of Gareth and of Welsh football.

"We have to make sure we have a good relationship for the future, if he goes there.

"It doesn't affect Cristiano Ronaldo. He is still given the courtesy of playing every game for Portugal and I would expect Gareth to be shown that as well."

Coleman also included Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor in his squad, despite the trio carrying injuries.

Swansea left-back Taylor looks particularly unlikely to be involved after his club confirmed he is set to be sidelined for four to six weeks with a thigh injury.

Wales squad for World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Serbia: Hennessey (Wolves), Myhill (West Brom), Fon Williams (Tranmere), Davies (Swansea), Eardley (Birmingham), Gabbidon (Palace), Gunter (Reading), Matthews (Celtic), Ricketts (Wolves), Taylor (Swansea), A Williams (Swansea), Allen (Liverpool), Collison (West Ham), King (Leicester), Ledley (Celtic), Ramsey (Arsenal), Crofts (Birmingham), J Williams (Palace), Bale (Tottenham), Bellamy (Cardiff), Church (Charlton), Robson-Kanu (Reading), Vokes (Burnley).