NEWPORT’S Chris Gunter says Wales have improved under Chris Coleman and insists the manager’s new contract is ‘brilliant’ news.

The announcement last week that Coleman had signed a new two-year deal with the Football Association of Wales was not universally welcomed by Wales fans.

And Saturday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Finland drew another disappointing crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium.

But 24-year-old Gunter, one of the senior players in the national team now with 51 caps, is convinced that Coleman has made Wales a better team.

And he’s pleased that the manager’s future has been settled after months of speculation.

“It puts everything to bed and the squad is delighted that he’s done that,” said the Reading defender. “It was the right thing to do and it is definitely going to help us.

“We’ve been improving, whatever people say, and for him to sign a new contract is brilliant news for everyone.”

Gunter was frustrated to have been denied a win by the Finns on Saturday after Riku Riski cancelled out Andy King’s opener with almost the last kick of the game.

“I thought they looked a good team and we knew before the game it would be a tough one because they did well in their group,” he said.

“We did really well but to concede at the end is disappointing. You always want to win every game but being a friendly the performance is the most important thing.

“It is disappointing we couldn’t hold on but the aim is to improve with every game and once you’re not able to qualify you have to look to build towards the next campaign.

The draw for the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign takes place in February and Gunter is optimistic about Wales’ chances.

“If the game was two minutes shorter it would have looked even better but we’re looking forward to the draw and nights like this can only help us,” he said.

“We don’t have an international game for a long time now but this year has been OK. We know we need to do better but we just need to build now and see what the draw brings us.

“It will come around quickly though and it’s important that we start well. We always say it but that is the key – to get a bit of momentum and build from there.”