BALE HAT-TRICK SEES GIGGS OFF TO A FLYER

GARETH BALE became Wales’ record goalscorer with a hat-trick in a 6-0 away win over China in Ryan Giggs’ first game as manager.

Bale opened the scoring after just two minutes and scored his second in the 21st minute before rounding off his maiden international hat-trick on 62 minutes. He was substituted shortly afterwards and left the pitch to a thunderous ovation from the capacity crowd in Nanning.

Sam Vokes scored twice and Harry Wilson, who is on loan at Hull City from Liverpool, celebrated his 21st birthday with a stunning strike.

The result is a major boost for Giggs, who is desperate to convince supporters of his worth as manager, after questions about his dedication to the national cause during his time as a player.

“For me it was a great result, a great performance,” said the former Manchester United winger. “Obviously it was a difficult night for China. We were at it right from the beginning and scored some fantastic goals.”

Giggs singled out Chris Gunter, who became Wales’ most capped outfield player with 86 appearances before lauding the achievement of Bale, whose hat-trick took him past Ian Rush’s 28-goal record for Wales.

“It’s a tremendous achievement to be the top goalscorer in front of someone like Ian Rush, a legendary goalscorer and probably one of the best I have ever seen,” said Giggs, who won 64 caps.