Joe Allen has insisted that the Wales national team are dogged in their pursuit of presence at a major tournament.
?In their history, the Dragons have played at just one World Cup (in 1958) and have only been involved in one European Championship when they made the quarter-finals in 1976 when it was a home and away tournament.
?Ahead of this weekend's vital Euro2016 qualifier against Israel, Liverpool midfielder Allen has highlighted the importance of the fixture as the Welsh look to put the disappointment of 2004's play-off loss to Russia behind them.
?Allen said: "I was at the Russia game, I was 13 years old and my school used to go to the Millennium Stadium for the home games.
"I remember the disappointment of coming so close, as do a lot of the lads in this squad. It is an extra motivation for us. We feel we are getting back to that level.
"That result (1-0 over the tow legs) was upsetting. That team didn't quite make it but we are doing everything we can to go that step further."
?Wales sit second behind Israel in Group B with eight points from four matches and a win would put them in a strong position to retain a top two spot for the remainder of qualifying.
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