AFTER a couple of false dawns and a whole lot of disappointment that stretches back far longer than my tenure in South Wales, the Welsh football team is potentially in the middle of their best campaign in a generation.

Chris Coleman’s side are seemingly galvanised and ready to make history after producing a positive reaction to the appalling circumstances that saw the ex-Fulham boss appointed in the first place.

A place in France at Euro 2016 is looking less and less like a long shot, with Wales knowing that wins in the reverse fixtures with Cyprus, Israel and Andorra would almost certainly be enough to see them at a major tournament for the first time since 1958.

Whereas a typical qualification campaign in years gone by has been synonymous with issues such as retirements, perceived injustices and always, always excuses, this one is punctuated by positivity and poise from a close-knit group of players reaching new heights with each passing performance.

Because let us make no bones about it, on Saturday Wales produced their best display since the heady heights of 2002 when Bellamy and Giggs terrorised Italy at a raucous Millennium Stadium.

There will be an inevitable and oh so British need from some to deride Israel’s performance and state that Wales merely beat a poor side, but that’s creating a false narrative.

We don’t need to create a context for the size of Wales’ achievement in winning 3-0 in Haifa, because the Group B table provides all the context we need.

Israel were top of Group B, having won all three of their games, including away against the top seeds. While Wales were labouring and relying solely on Gareth Bale to beat a team of butchers, bakers and candlestick makers, Israel were stunning Eden Dzeko and his illustrious teammates in their own back yard.

Wales made Israel look ordinary by playing superbly and they looked impressive all over the pitch, not just because of their genius talisman.

Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey lived up to their billing as Wales’ other star men with a dominant midfield display and the verve and tempo of Wales’ possession play was a joy.

This wasn’t just a Welsh team that looked like it could qualify for a major tournament, it was a performance that made you believe Wales can and will compete when, not if, they get to France.

This group seems entirely comfortable with their standing in the table and the pressure that brings, performances in this campaign arguably improving on a game-by-game basis.

We don’t have to worry about players not turning up for the big clash with Belgium in June because Coleman and his staff have successfully created almost a club mentality within the squad, to the point where Wales’ players are excited to get together in Cardiff.

To say that hasn’t always been the case is a vast understatement.

Chris Coleman walked into a role where it was virtually impossible to make a short-term impact and has stuck to his ideas and beliefs even when the scrutiny and pressure was almost intolerable, public opinion of him lukewarm at best and, at worst, ice cold.

We are guilty in Britain of tarring a manager as useless if he’s sacked in his career more than twice and many of us have to hold our hands up and admit Coleman has proved he is up to the task of leading this team, potentially to history.

He’s tactically flexible, speaks well and the players really like him, a strong combination that is reaping clear benefits.

And then there is Gareth, the most expensive player in the world and potentially the scourge of every defence in France next summer.

Far from being a Galáctico who isn’t motivated for Wales, Bale is producing his very best on the international stage, both with his performances and in the way he’s embraced his status as the key player and the senior star.

When Wales do their preparation drills in their “units”, it is Bale who leads the forwards through the session. He’s as comfortable, if not more so, playing a one two with a Chris Gunter or Hal Robson-Kanu as with a Ronaldo or James Rodriguez, and there is clearly a genuine bond among this current crop of players.

We’ve waited so long for a Welsh national football team to be proud of and a whole lot longer for one capable of qualifying for a major campaign.

That wait might well be over. Performances like Saturday’s are all the evidence we need.