Exclusive – Robert Page: Wales fans are starting to believe in Chris Coleman

Former Wales international and current Port Vale coach Robert Page believes the Welsh players and fans are beginning to buy into manager Chris Coleman’s style of play.

The ex-Fulham boss was appointed as the successor of the late Gary Speed last January, but due to Wales’ failure to qualify for the 2012 European Championships, he has only overseen eight games in charge.

After a poor start - losing his first four games at the helm - Coleman's side have improved, largely thanks to a number of sensational performances from Gareth Bale, with the Tottenham forward helping his side to double wins over Scotland as well victory over Austria in their World Cup qualification campaign.

Coleman’s side now sit third in Group A, seven points adrift from a qualification place.

But with five games still to play, Page believes there are encouraging signs that Wales could secure a spot for the finals in Rio de Janeiro next summer.

“It’s working for them now," the ex-defender told Weekend Sports Breakfast.

“For an international manager, if you go in and don’t have an immediate impact, it’s difficult.

“You don’t have a lot of time to make changes, you have to wait months rather than days and key players could pull out with injury at any time.

“It was a bit of a battle for him, but I think the Welsh fans are now seeing what Chris is bringing to the set-up.

“[In their 2-1 victory against Scotland], to go a goal down away from home is always difficult, so to come back against one of your home nation rivals is even more encouraging.”