Gareth Bale has been backed to return to peak form and fitness for Wales next week, by a relieved Chris Coleman.

The Real Madrid star was named on Friday for the World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Moldova after returning from international suspension.

Bale missed the 1-1 draw against Serbia in June and has played just one La Liga match since then as the season starts later in Spain.

But Coleman, who has also named 16-year-old Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu in a senior squad for the first time, is keen to get Bale back in his line-up.

Aston Villa defender Neil Taylor also returns from a ban after he broke Seamus Coleman’s leg in the 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland, but is suspended for the Austria game in Cardiff.

“If they’re fit, Gareth and Neil are going to be involved – it’s good to have them back,” said Coleman.

“Gareth is a natural athlete and he’s obviously available to start games which is a big boost for us. I said at the start of qualifying we need to be in the mix come the second half of the campaign.”

Bale was suspended for June’s Group D draw in Serbia after he was booked against Republic of Ireland, but the Real Madrid forward is included along with Joe Ledley.

Coleman keeps faith with Ledley, who is without a club after leaving Crystal Palace, and has also handed teenage Chelsea defender Ampadu a first official call-up.

Taylor and Joe Allen are banned for the Austria game in Cardiff on September 2 but will be available in Moldova three days later.

Coleman confirmed Ledley will start against Austria if he is “anywhere near fit”.

He added: “He’s obviously had offers, but if you look at how many games he’s played and his experience, I can’t believe someone hasn’t picked him up.

“If he can make the Austria game he’ll start, even though he’s not played since Serbia. Joe has been instrumental for us and his experience plays a big part.”

Wales’ draw in Serbia in June leaves them third in Group D with four games of the qualifying campaign to go.

But Coleman remains confident Wales will qualify for their second successive major tournament.

“Normally we’re nowhere near. We’ve got a real good chance of doing something again. We’ve got Ireland and Austria at home. We’re really hoping to take this all the way and I’m really excited.

“We’re not far away at all. I think the future for Welsh football is very exciting. We know what the atmosphere will be like for the Austria game. It will be second to none and we can’t let the fans down. We haven’t done that for some time and we’re not going to start on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Wales have named former England midfielder David Brooks in their Under-21 squad for their European Championship qualifying campaign.

Brooks was England’s player of the Toulon Tournament and scored in the final as they won the competition earlier this summer.

But the 20-year-old Sheffield United midfielder, who was swapped from Wales to England and then back to Wales, has now decided his international future lies over the Severn Bridge.