Roberts opens account in Wales win

Connor Roberts made it a night to remember as he scored his first senior goal in Wales' 4-1 win over the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff.

The Swans defender was included in Ryan Giggs' starting XI as Wales kicked off their Uefa Nations League campaign with a dominant victory.

Giggs' first competitive game in charge got off to the perfect start with Tom Lawrence firing the hosts ahead after six minutes, with Gareth Bale doubling the lead with a stunning left-footed strike from 25 yards.

Aaron Ramsey made it 3-0 after 37 minutes, before Roberts struck his first goal for Wales - and in professional football - when he controlled Bale's pass and struck a sweet left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

The visitors bagged a consolation but it failed to take the gloss off a superb evening for Welsh football.

Roberts' Swans team-mate Declan John, meanwhile, was not included in the match day squad.

Kristoffer Nordfeldt was also on international duty as he started the first half of Sweden's 2-0 defeat in Austria.

Martin Olsson was not involved on the night as goals in each half earned victory for the hosts.