BALE IS A REAL GEM
Page backs Gareth’s Wales form even if his talisman misses out in Madrid
GARETH BALE could finally return for Real Madrid today – but Wales manager Rob Page will not be losing any sleep if he does not.
Bale is back to fitness and in contention to provide some spark for manager Carlo Ancelotti (inset, top) in the Madrid derby against rivals Atletico.
The Wales skipper, 32, has not played in La Liga since August, due to hamstring and calf problems, although he has managed four matches for the Dragons. That led to another backlash from furious fans at the Bernabeu.
But Page insists his talisman can still lead his country to the World
Cup finals – whether or not he gets gametime in Spain.
Page (below), whose side host Austria in the play-off semi-final in March, said: “We’ve never had the luxury of Gareth being guaranteed time on the field at club level.
“For me, it is not vitally important he is playing at club level.
“It helps, of course it does. You want players to be playing domestic football when they come into camp.
“But we have had this situation in the past with him and yet he’s come in, performed fantastically well and we have won matches.
“World-class players set high standards for themselves and they make sure they are ready, whatever else might be going on.
“So, I am not overly concerned. Gareth is a fit lad and looks after himself extremely well. He will be ready to go in March, I know that, 100 per cent.”
Bale missed Wales’ final group match in qualifying – the 1-1 home draw with Belgium – but he was there to help his country past Belarus in the previous game.
That appearance, and the calf injury he suffered provoked anger among a small group of fans in the Spanish capital, who jeered him and threw objects at his car near the training ground.
But Page reckons if Bale has to twiddle his thumbs before his Madrid deal runs out, it will not affect Wales.
If the Dragons beat Austria, they will be at home again in the play-off final against Scotland or Ukraine.
Page added: “The players are very positive about the draw and how we have two home games, which is great.”