WELSH players heading out to the biggest footballing competition of the year received bespoke watches from a North Wales' jewellers before boarding the plane to Qatar.

The "good-luck parting gift" was presented by Bodelwyddan based brand Clogau.

The sports watches were customised with an engraving of each player's squad number. 

Rhyl Journal: A one off design. Picture: ClogauA one off design. Picture: Clogau (Image: Clogau)

They were described as a "one off design" by Clogau, known for mining its gold from the same mine as the Royal Family use for their engagement rings.

Ben Roberts, Clogau managing director, said: “It's a huge honour to partner with the Welsh football team ahead of the winter competition to create these completely unique watches as a good luck gift. We hope it reminds the squad of their Welsh roots and what an honour it is to represent their country on the biggest stage. Everyone at Clogau and in Wales is rooting for them.

“Each watch had the players' shirt numbers engraved on the back and I personally signed a note to go with each to wish the players good luck as they head to Qatar.

"The remaining 40 of the watches will also be auctioned off for charities including the FAW trust, a really proud moment for Clogau.”

The squad, featuring the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, were presented the watches at Vale Resort, Pontyclun on Sunday.

Clogau has shops in Llandudno, Conwy and Bangor. 

Wales will mark their return against the United States on Monday, with around 3,000 fans having made the trip to Doha to support them at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

Bale says the Wales squad are feeling the “buzz from back home” as the Dragons prepare to end a 64-year wait to play at the World Cup.

No nation has waited longer for successive World Cup appearances, with Wales’ last game at the tournament being their 1958 quarter-final defeat to Brazil.