Wales fans travelling to the World Cup play-offs will be able to return home to Anglesey and Gwynedd on the same night.

Transport for Wales (TfW) says it will pilot a direct service from Cardiff to Holyhead at 11pm following the semi-final against Bosnia Herzegovina on 26th March - and potentially, the final against Italy or Northern Ireland five days later.

The rail operator says it's been made possible after Network Rail agreed to adjust planned engineering work, along with an extension of signal box opening hours and extra resources for train crew and fleet.

Georgina Wills, events planning manager at TfW, said: “We’ve listened to our passengers, and we know that getting home to North Wales following a late kick-off has been a challenge in the past.

“By working with our partners at Network Rail, we are proud to trial this direct 23:00 service to Holyhead to ensure fans get home safely.

While this is currently a trial, we want to see it succeed and encourage fans to take advantage of the service and travel with us.”

While post-match travel to Wrexham and Chester has been provided in recent years, TfW says extending the direct line along the North Wales Coast will enable fans to support Craig Bellamy's side without needing to book overnight accommodation.

Rachel Heath, Network Rail operations director for Wales and Borders, said: "We’re pleased to be working closely with Transport for Wales to help make this trial service possible for football fans travelling to and from North Wales."

"By adjusting planned engineering activity, extending signal box opening hours and ensuring the right resources are in place, we’re supporting safe and reliable late-night travel following major national events."

"This collaboration shows how we can respond to feedback and make the railway work better for passengers when demand is highest."

Macsen Jones, the FAW's fan engagement executive, added: "We are pleased that TfW has chosen to trial this service. Throughout fan consultations and feedback, this route has been consistently identified as one that would greatly assist supporters in returning home to North Wales after matches."

"We value TfW’s collaborative approach and their commitment to working with us to ensure fans enjoy a positive and seamless travel experience when attending games."