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Aaron Ramsey says Wales thrive under pressure after win in Georgia

Aaron Ramsey believes Wales thrive under pressure scenarios as they boosted their hopes of a World Cup qualifying playoff by edging out Georgia 1-0 in Tbilisi.

With the Republic of Ireland breathing down their necks in Group D, Wales needed to consolidate second spot in the Georgian capital and Tom Lawrence's strike shortly after the interval saw them to an important victory.

They next face the Republic on Monday in Cardiff, with the runners-up spot and a potential play-off to reach Russia next year may be on the line.

Ramsey told Sky Sports: "We're used to these situations, we put ourselves in these situations time and time again and we find a way, that's what's so special about this team.

"We wanted to finish off with two wins, we're halfway there. We wanted to go back to Cardiff with the three points and it's going to be a big game on Monday night.

"We know our fans are going to be magnificent on Monday and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.''

It was the first time that Wales had managed a victory in 11 games when their star man Gareth Bale had been absent, the Real Madrid forward missing out with a calf strain.

And it was Lawrence who was their hero, bagging his first goal for his country four minutes into the second half when his 25-yard shot flew past Giorgi Loria in the Georgia goal.

He said: "I don't think you can describe that feeling. It's a dream come true. I thought we did well, we knew they were going to be a tough team to beat and I thought we did well and managed to get the win.''

Wales boss Chris Coleman paid tribute to his troops, saying: "Our boys stuck to the gameplan and there were some heroic performances there.

"We got in some great situations that we didn't capitalise on but overall the commitment and the desire from our lads is incredible.''

Looking ahead to Monday night, he said: "I think it will be a sensational atmosphere in Cardiff. The Republic will come to party, they won't fear us. They won't be afraid, they'll come to us and expect to get a result. We'll be up against it, but these are the games you want to be involved in.

"How many times have we've been in this position with nothing on it? We always seem to play other countries who are involved and celebrating -- but we welcome the pressure."

A draw against the Republic should be enough to book Wales' place in the November playoffs. But Coleman said Wales will play their normal game and go out to win the match.

"We're on dangerous ground if we go in with a game plan of trying to soak the pressure up for 90 minutes," Coleman said. "We are too good to do that. we'll go and attack, go and score goals, we have to do that -- it's our strength.

"A point maybe OK, but we'll go for three points. that's the way it's set up."

Coleman added of Lawrence's display: "I'm delighted for Tom, absolutely delighted for him.

"He showed great courage tonight because defensively he had a job to do for us and he did it absolutely fantastically well. His all-round performance was fantastic.''

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