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Chris Coleman proud of 'battling' Wales against Republic of Ireland

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Chris Coleman gives his reaction to the goalless draw

Wales manager Chris Coleman declared himself proud of his players after they held on to draw 0-0 against Republic of Ireland on Friday.

Neil Taylor was sent off for Wales in the 69th minute for a lunging tackle on Seamus Coleman that saw the Everton defender carried off on a stretcher with a broken leg.

The draw leaves Wales in third place in World Cup Qualifying Group D at the halfway stage, four points behind joint-leaders Ireland and Serbia.

"It was a typical British derby," Coleman told Sky Sports. "I thought 11 v 11 we really controlled the game and weren't really in any trouble. We were the team who looked like we were going to create something and score.

"The red changed everything. We are in their backyard and they are very strong and the crowd are fantastic.

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Republic of Ireland 0-0 Wales

"We were up against it for 20-25 minutes but I am proud of the players. They battled through and dug in. We had to show a different side of our game, from controlling it and passing the ball we had to go to a defensive game and see it out which we did.

"I know where we are in the group, but there are still five games to play. I can't look at our players and say you need to give us more. A bit of luck here and there, and a bit more quality in the final third, and the result would have been different."

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As well as seeing Taylor sent off, Wales had Gareth Bale booked, meaning he will miss the next match in June, which is a trip to Serbia.

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Niall Quinn and Dean Saunders discuss Seamus Coleman's horrific injury

"That's international football," said Coleman. "At our best we know we are a team that can play against anybody and win, but if you take Gareth Bale from any team you miss that.

"We have to find another way and we will. We have to go to Serbia and bring something back. We look forward to it.

"Not many teams will come here and take a point so there are positives."

Reflecting on Coleman's injury, the Wales manager said: "Our thoughts are with Seamus Coleman. We are told it's not so good, which we are sorry for.

"Neil Taylor is not that type of player and he has had a serious injury himself."

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