WALES legend Ian Rush will be leading the celebrations if Gareth Bale breaks his international goals record during the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Rush netted 28 times in 73 appearances for Wales between 1980 and 1996 and Bale is on 22 goals from 61 caps in his 10 years with the national side.

Ahead of Monday’s first qualifier against Moldova in Cardiff Rush says he expects his record to go in this campaign.

And he insists he’d be delighted with that if it means Wales are heading to Russia and a first World Cup finals appearance since 1958.

“When your record gets broken you’re disappointed but it tells me one thing, which is the team is doing well,” said Rush, who was speaking at an event to celebrate Cardiff hosting next year’s Champions League final.

“My record for Wales will be broken by Gareth and hopefully I’m there to see it.

“If he does that then it means we’re being successful and that’s what it’s all about.

“I’m pretty sure he will do if he keeps himself fit and that means hopefully we’ll be qualifying for the World Cup.

“Hopefully I’ll celebrate it when Wales are right up there at the top of the group.

“Of course you’re disappointed if your record goes but records are there to be broken,” he added.

“I broke records and that’s what it’s all about.

“I scored 28 goals in 73 games but there’s more games being played now.

“I look at Robbie Keane with Ireland and the amazing amount of goals he scored.

“His will never be broken I would imagine but Wayne Rooney broke Bobby Charlton’s.

“It’s a different era now, they play more games and I always thought one day it would go.

“The Liverpool one is different but I was sure the Wales one would go.”