New dad Brooks determined to realise World Cup dream

World Cup qualifier: Liechtenstein v Wales

Venue: Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz Date: Saturday, 15 November Kick-off: 17:00 GMT

Coverage: Live on iPlayer, BBC One Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru and BBC Sport online, plus live text commentary.

Cancer-free and a new dad, David Brooks is more determined than ever to realise his World Cup dream.

After six months of gruelling chemotherapy, Brooks was given the all-clear in May 2022, putting him in contention to make Rob Page's Wales squad for the tournament in Qatar later that year.

But the 28-year-old Bournemouth midfielder admits he "pushed a little too hard" and a hamstring injury delayed his comeback.

Three years on and Brooks is "incredibly motivated" in helping Wales, now led by Craig Bellamy, qualify for next summer's finals in North America.

"It's one of the biggest honours, going to those tournaments and representing your country," he said.

"The full focus is trying to help the gaffer and the team make that dream come true."

Bellamy's side are all but certain to be in the play-offs in March and can guarantee home advantage for their semi-final if they finish second in Group J.

Wales travel to bottom side Liechtenstein on Saturday before hosting second-placed North Macedonia in Cardiff three days later.

Belgium are all but assured of automatic qualification, needing just three points in their final two games to finish top, but two wins would mean Wales overhaul North Macedonia to finish second in the group.

While Brooks continues to chase his World Cup dream, in late October he and his wife realised another dream when they welcomed their first child.

Their baby girl's arrival was even more special given the fact that they were unsure whether a family was possible after Brooks' cancer treatment.

"I'm immensely happy and it's brought a softer side out of us, I'm thoroughly enjoying that. It's only been 10 days so I've heard it gets harder," he said.

And despite inevitable sleepless nights, Brooks says he is feeling the fittest he has ever been.

"I feel very good at the minute, this is the first proper pre-season I've had in six years where there's been no hiccups or anything to worry about," he said.

Brooks also recently signed a new deal to remain with Premier League Bournemouth until 2029.

And having been at the club since 2018 and worn the captain's armband, he recognises his role as a leader.

"It's similar to here [the Wales camp], it's a very young squad, so I'm one of the older ones at 28, which is mental," Brooks said.

"I'm not going to sit here and say I'm captain of Wales and boss everyone around, but when you get to this age you do want to help the younger lads and show them what is expected.

"There are a lot of lads that don't wear the armband but play in the Premier League and that group needs to be the ones to set the example and show what's required of the players... especially if we want to go to the World Cup, the standards need to be there."