NORTH Wales' footballing heroes of the past have been celebrating Wales' first World Cup qualification in 64 years.

A deflected free-kick from talisman Gareth Bale was enough to earn Wales a 1-0 victory over Ukraine in Cardiff on Sunday, June 5. 

That sent them on to Qatar 2022 - where they will make their first World Cup appearance since Sweden 1958.

Read more: Wales' World Cup qualification 'dream come true' for Wrexham's Neco Williams

Like many others up and down the country, some of North Wales' finest footballing icons of the past - who previously represented the national team - were also revelling in the glory.

Liverpool's record goalscorer Ian Rush, who grew up in Flint, was at the match witnessing Welsh footballing history unfold.

Meanwhile, Wrexham's Robbie Savage kept his words of celebration to a minimum at the final whistle.

The former midfielder, who earned 39 caps for Wales, posted the Welsh flag and heart emjois on Twitter to express his happiness for Wales. 

Mochdre-born legend and Wrexham AFC icon Mickey Thomas was also at the match down in Cardiff.

He is, of course, most well-known for the free-kick goal he scored to help dump Arsenal out of the FA Cup back in 1992

However, he did also play 51 matches for Wales, scoring on four occasions.

Another North Wales footballing legend full of pride for his nation at full time was former goalkeeper Neville Southall.

Born and raised in Llandudno, 'Big Nev' went on to become one of the best shot-stoppers around while with Everton and also earned 92 caps for Wales.

A World Cup group including Iran, USA and old rivals England now awaits Wales at Qata 2022.

Group matches will kick-off in late November.