WALES assistant manager Osian Roberts says Euro 2016 place are still up for grabs and Friday’s friendly against the Netherlands is the perfect opportunity for fringe players to impress.

Star men Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey and first choice striker Hal Robson-Kanu are all missing and Roberts says that gives some of the squad’s lesser lights the chance to press their claims.

And anyone who does impress will boost their chances of boarding the plane to France next summer.

“The fact that Gareth, Aaron and Hal are not here gives us the opportunity to look at other individuals,” said Chris Coleman’s right-hand man.

“It’s an opportunity for some to stake a claim because it’s going to be competitive getting into that squad for June.

“Quite a few places are up for grabs,” he added. “One or two from the under-21s are knocking on door but they’ve got two competitive matches this week and they’ve made a good start to their campaign so we’ve left them there for this one.

“But the door is still open and in six or seven months a lot can change; when everyone is fit and available we are going to have some tough decisions to make.

“We are very much open to players staking a claim and competition for places is important so what they do in these games and for their clubs is important.

“When there’s an opportunity they have to step up to the plate.

“The more competition we’ve got the healthier we will be and this is an opportunity for players to impress and show us what they can bring to the team.

“We have plenty of options in personnel and the way we go about it.”

Roberts says the Wales management have no issue with the fact that Bale, who was not included in the squad because of a calf problem, played 90 minutes for Real Madrid at the weekend.

“They have some big games coming up and they want to make sure he’s available,” he said.

“Madrid wouldn’t gamble; they know what they’re doing. The only surprise is that he played 90 minutes.”

Roberts sees the Dutch as a good test for the squad and is hopeful that striker Sam Vokes shakes off a tight groin to feature.

“The Netherlands are a quality side with quality players and they will ask right questions and help push us on and prepare for the summer,” he said.

“We’ve probably only got four games before the competitive matches start and we have to get as much out of it as we can.

“We hope that Sam will be OK. We have to be careful and monitor that. We’ll see how the next 24 to 48 hours go.”