Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is convinced Wales can give World Cup qualification a good shake under coach Gary Speed.

Bale believes that Speed needs his key players fit ahead of next year.

He said: "We're building under the new manager and heading in the right direction. We all know what our ultimate goal is but we've got to keep working hard, this is just the beginning.

"It's been a great year really. We all knew how disappointed everyone was with how the campaign started and how it was going. But since the new gaffer has come in, we're improving all the time.

"He's organised us well, we're trying things and getting the ball down and playing and scoring goals. We know there is a long way to go but all the lads are working hard to achieve that long-term goal.

"It's all steps in the right direction at the moment.

"It's important (all big players play), but it's not about individuals, it's about the team. We're not a big nation so we need every player to come in and play well. As soon as a game comes, we need everyone to be coming if they are not injured.

"If we give it our all, as all the players have shown with their commitment this year, then we can of course do well.

"2014 is our target. We're not about to come into it to make up the numbers. We have the players and have the squad now to do well. That is our aim. We want to achieve something for Wales, we feel we can do that."