Dion: All I want is a chance
Bale’s having a Wales of a time
GARETH BALE breezed into the Wales camp this week beaming a huge Californian smile after being reinvigorated by his move to the USA.
Feeling unwanted and unloved at Real Madrid, Bale was frozen out in Spain, where he ran down his huge contract this summer.
Despite tremendous criticism, including being branded a “parasite”, he still inspired Wales as their record scorer and captain.
His feats included a spectacular freekick against Austria to help Rob Page’s men to the World Cup via the play-offs.
But now Bale is so clearly enjoying his football and life again at new club Los Angeles FC, both him and manager Page are excited about what he can produce this winter in Qatar.
Bale (33) made his 11th appearance of the season in LAFC’s 3-1 win over Houston Dynamo on Monday night, which keeps his club top of the Western Conference. He then jetted into Heathrow the next day and is preparing for his 107th cap tonight in Brussels against Belgium.
If Bale is suffering from any jet-lag, you would never have known yesterday from his upbeat demeanour, body language and remarks.
Happy
“Definitely, I am very happy,” said Bale. “It feels nice, the fans have been really supportive over there, they’ve been really patient as well, which is good.
“I’m enjoying playing in America, the atmosphere is incredible, they’re all supporting the team. I can’t ask for any more than that.
“They’ve made me feel at home straight away. So, it’s good vibes from the MLS and, hopefully, that gives me more confidence going into Wales as well.
“This is a new challenge with a new club and new team, and it gives you that freshness again about football.”
Only two of Bale’s appearances this term have been starts — and he has yet to complete 90 minutes for LAFC, but he is still playing a lot more than he did in Spain last term and has scored twice as he continues to build up his fitness.
Bale revealed: “The last few years I had to come into Wales’ camp and try and find something, and dig deep and find my fitness. It’s more ideal for all of us to be playing as much as we can so we can perform better for Wales.
Sharper
“You can be as fit as you want training and doing your running, but playing your games makes you feel sharper and better on the pitch. Playing games is good for me and where I need to be.
“I am feeling good and feeling sharp, and need to maintain that level and keep doing what I am doing. I’m getting stronger and fitter.
“Now, we have an important stretch of games in the MLS, but, after that, I can turn my attention to the World Cup and, hopefully, be in the best shape as I possibly can.
“The plan is to be 100 per cent fit to help LAFC, first and foremost. Ultimately, that will lead into me being 100 per cent for the World Cup. I’m sure when it comes round, everyone will be buzzing to go.”
Bale’s physical and mental condition has been well received by boss Page, who last week signed a fouryear contract ahead of Wales’ first World Cup appearance in 64 years.
Page said: “Gareth was bright and you wouldn’t have thought he’d just got off a flight from the States.
“I’m not surprised by his professionalism, but I was surprised with how fresh he looked.”
KEVIN DE admits he finds it “boring” to play Wales so regularly.
Belgium skipper De Bruyne is preparing to win his 92nd cap for his country since making his debut in 2010.
Of his near century of caps, eight have been against Wales — scoring three times — as the nations have been frequently drawn alongside each other in qualifying.
Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne admits it is a struggle to get the juices flowing for yet
GROUP 4 another clash with Wales this evening in Brussels.
And he is not sure either how much of a difference it will even make to Belgium’s preparations for the World Cup this winter as boss Roberto Martinez has such a settled side.
De Bruyne said: “I think half of my international career has been against Wales. I don’t know why.
“It is a little bit boring. It is always the same teams.
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“But we’ll just try to finish the two games as best as possible and get ready for the World Cup. We have been playing with the same team for years and years so I don’t think it makes that much of a difference anymore.”
Squad
Meanwhile, Wales boss Rob Page admits he is “already dreading” naming their World Cup squad.
This winter he has to pick his final 26-man panel for Qatar in Wales’ first finals in 64 years.
Last week Page selected a 28-man squad for this week’s games with Belgium tonight and Poland on Sunday in the
Nations League.
Page said: “I am already dreading the 26-man squad for the World Cup because we have so many great players involved.
“We have 30-32 players so that is the hard part of the job.
“It will be nothing personal when I have to make those decisions.
“But it is difficult keeping them all happy.”
DION CHARLES claims he will repay Ian Baraclough with goals if he gives him his chance with Northern Ireland.
All Charles’ 11 international appearances have been from the bench and the Bolton hitman is itching to make his first start in Saturday’s Nations League game against Kosovo at Windsor Park.
He has scored four times in eight games for Bolton this season and has told Irish boss Baraclough he can help solve their goalscoring problems.
“I’ve had a conversation with Ian to let him know I feel I’m ready when called upon,” said the former Accrington