Gareth Bale: Wales boss Ryan Giggs backs forward under pressure at Real Madrid
- Published
Uefa Nations League: Wales v Denmark |
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Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: Fri, 16 Nov Kick-off: 19:45 GMT |
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app, plus live text commentary. |
Wales manager Ryan Giggs says he has no Nations League concerns over Gareth Bale despite the forward's problems at Real Madrid.
Bale was whistled off at the Bernabeu by sections of the Real support on Saturday as he was substituted in the 2-0 league win against Real Valladolid.
Bale has gone seven games without a goal, but Giggs says he has no issues.
"We are talking about a world-class player who never lets his country down," said Giggs.
Former Real striker Jorge Valdano last week ramped up the pressure on the Welshman by claiming Bale's £85.3m transfer fee had "created this illusion he's some sort of world superstar".
Bale missed last month's high-profile friendly defeat to Spain and the Nations League victory against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin because of muscle fatigue.
Giggs has named Bale in his 26-man squad for the Nations League decider against Denmark on November 16 and the friendly in Albania four days later.
"We've got one more (Real) game to go before the weekend, but hopefully he will be meeting up with us on Sunday," said Giggs.
"He's been five years at Madrid. I had it at United, he's under that scrutiny all the time.
"Footballers just get on with it. From the outside it looks chaotic but inside the dressing room I am sure he is just getting on with training no differently and still playing games. You have to let it wash over you because he will have seen it before over the years.
"Real Madrid fans booed Cristiano Ronaldo, so it is just what the club is like. If you win the Champions League the next year it is forgotten.
"If you have a bad performance the white hankies are out and you are getting booed. It comes with the territory of playing for big clubs but it won't affect Gareth at all whether he is playing well or not.
"He's used to it, but I know he can't wait to join up with the lads and be part of it.
"All I can say is when Gareth comes away he is outstanding on and off the pitch. He has been since I have had him and was before.
"He is a brilliant player and a brilliant character. I am looking forward to seeing him. We missed him in the last camp but he stayed with us for eight-nine days and did the rehab which shows how much he loves being away with Wales and knows we will look after him."
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey also return after missing missed the win in Ireland after his wife gave birth to twin boys.
Ramsey is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season after a contract extension was withdrawn by the Premier League club.
"I expect him to come fit, firing and wanting to play as he always does," said Giggs.
"He's a quality player and he'd fit into the majority of teams around Europe so no surprise when he does get linked with good teams and good clubs.