Bale stays to cheer on ‘golden generation’

GARETH BALE began Wales cheerleading duties yesterday by watching his team-mates train at the Cardiff City Stadium. Rather than head back to Real Madrid, the injured forward has elected to stay with his national team and will be in the stands for tonight’s showdown against the Republic of Ireland. Yesterday Bale studied Chris Coleman’s final session from the dugout and was talking with team psychologist Ian Mitchell. The 28-year-old also signed autographs for school children invited to meet their hero. It is not unusual for Bale or other members of Coleman’s side to join

the Welsh camp when unavailable for action, with the manager believing it encourages team spirit. Bale reported for duty eight days ago and attended the annual FAW awards last Monday before the extent of his calf injury was discovered in a scan. Coleman said: ‘It’s been great to have Baleo here. He was with us before Georgia, and he’s at the hotel with the squad because he is a huge part of the team.’ The Welsh national anthem before the game tonight promises to be a spine-tingling occasion with music being cut after a few bars to allow fans to sing a cappella. The move has come at the request of the players, who were roused by travelling supporters in Georgia continuing when the music was mistakenly ended early. Coleman has hailed his team as a golden generation but challenged them to shine — and enjoy the game. ‘The players were labelled the golden bunch before we qualified for the Euros,’ he said. ‘I fought against that because they hadn’t earned that tag, but they’ve earned that now. They’ve proved it’s a golden era. ‘There’s nothing to be afraid of. Playing in Cardiff, full house, it’s our home, and we’ve got to enjoy it.’