Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WE’RE ON THE SAME PAGE
Bale steps up to support stand-in Wales boss Rob and backs strict decision on discipline
GARETH BALE admits he has stepped up to take more responsibility in Ryan Giggs’ absence.
And he has backed caretaker Rob Page’s nononsense approach to maintaining standards by sending home three players who broke a curfew.
Tyler Roberts, Hal Robson-kanu and Rabbi Matondo won’t be involved tonight after being sent home yesterday.
Page is stamping his authority on the squad after being promoted to caretaker in Giggs’ absence for the past five matches.
And ahead of tonight’s World Cup qualifier at home to the Czech Republic, Bale, 31, embraced the additional demands. He said: “There has been a bit more responsibility, but it’s something I am happy to step up and do. And when required, say the things I need to say.
“You have to take a more senior role. The role has changed slightly, especially in the last year. I suppose there is a little bit of making sure standards are still set.
“But Pagey has done an incredible job of that. He has stepped in and taken control, and kept the group good and standards high.
“Training has been very good as the results have shown.” Bale is Wales’ record scorer with 33 goals in 89 games.
The Dragons captain has also scored 10 goals in 25 appearances for Tottenham this term. But he has started just six Premier League games under Jose Mourinho.
Assessing his form, Bale, on loan from Real Madrid, said: “I had a slow start.
“I came into Tottenham with a little problem in my knee and, not having played continuously for a year and a half or so, it took a bit of time to get going. In the last couple of months, I’ve felt stronger. My form and speed has been there and I’ve scored some goals.
“I wish it could have started a lot quicker, but I’m also wise enough to know it does take a bit of time to get your rhythm back.
“Now that I am playing, I feel good and hopefully can continue it for the rest of the season and into the Euros.
“Confidence, especially for me, is one of the most important things.
“Playing in the final third you need to take risks, feel good about yourself and be able to beat a defender, shoot and score goals.
“I’m building my confidence slowly and that has shown in my performances and scoring goals.”