WALES midfielder Aaron Ramsey is better now than before his horror leg break, according to national manager Chris Coleman.

It has taken the Arsenal star three and a half years to fully shake off the effects of his broken leg at Stoke City in February 2010 but he has been in sparkling form for the Gunners this season, having finally claimed a regular starting place.

And Coleman, who will be hoping Ramsey can inspire Wales to victories over Macedonia and Serbia over the next week, says the 22-year-old is playing better than ever.

“He’s been superb so far this season,” said Coleman, whose side travel to Macedonia for Friday night’s World Cup qualifier before hosting Serbia at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night.

“He’s showing now what we all thought he was capable of. You can see that in his performances for Arsenal.

“It took him time to get fitter and stronger and get that fluidity back in his play but this season he’s been superb, outstanding even.

“He’s got that spring in his step again. He’s confident and he’s doing things at both ends of the pitch that are affecting the games.

“Positionally his play is much better and he’s linking play up in the final third and doing well defensively.

“I think he’s playing his best football. This is the best I’ve seen him play, even before the injury.”

And Coleman insists that Ramsey has nothing to fear from new Arsenal recruit Mezut Ozil if he carries on his recent form.

“All he has to do is carry on doing what he’s doing,” said Coleman. Ozil is a great player but if Aaron keeps playing as he is I don’t think it will be him losing his place.

“At the end of the day I’m not Arsene Wenger but I can’t see Aaron losing his place.”

“It’s been stop-start for Aaron because of the injury and he hasn’t always been first choice but hats off to him, he’s got himself back to playing the football we all know he’s capable of.”

Coleman says Ramsey has shaken off a groin problem but Sam Ricketts missed training yesterday with a slight knock.