BEING named in Wales’ 26-man squad for this month’s World Cup is the “realisation of a lifelong dream” according to Chris Mepham.

Cherries defender Mepham, alongside teammate Kieffer Moore, has been selected in Rob Page’s squad for the tournament in Qatar.

The duo will link up with the Cymru side on Sunday, after the final Premier League game before the World Cup break against Everton on Saturday.

Wales then travel to Qatar on Tuesday, with their opener against the USA on Monday, November 21.

They then face Iran on Friday, November 25, before a final group game against arch-foes England on Tuesday, November 29.

Speaking with afcb.co.uk, Mepham shared: “It’s the realisation of a lifelong dream, even though I probably wouldn’t have dreamt it because it wouldn’t have been a realistic enough goal to have in my head a few years ago.

“But the way football goes, it changes very quickly and, luckily for me, this season it seems like it’s swung back in my favour and I’ve now got an opportunity to hopefully showcase myself on the biggest stage in football.”

Since making his debut against China in March 2018, Mepham has made a total of 33 appearances for the Red Dragons.

Although it was likely the 25-year-old would be involved, Mepham remains proud to have been selected.

He continued: “I was delighted when I found out. It’s something that you never want to take for granted and representing your country is something that should never be taken lightly. It’s a massive honour and something I’ll be proud of every time I put on the Wales shirt.

“We’ve come a long way as a nation and qualifying for the biggest tournament in football just shows the direction that Wales as a nation is going in. I’m grateful and really proud to be part of that.”