Bale convinced Wales are going in the right direction under Giggs

GARETH BALE has responded to fierce criticism of Wales’ recent performances by insisting they are making progress under Ryan

Giggs.

Bale rescued Wales on Friday with a late winner in the 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan - opponents ranked 109 in the world and 85 places below Giggs’ side.

The goal kept Wales’ hopes of automatic Euro 2020 qualification alive, cutting the gap to Group E pacesetters Croatia and Hungary to three points at the halfway stage of the campaign.

But Wales supporters were clearly disillusioned with the performance, taking to radio phone-in shows and social media to express their dissatisfaction.

Manager Giggs bore the brunt of the criticism but Real Madrid forward Bale, speaking before tonight’s friendly against Belarus in Cardiff, said Wales were moving in the right direction.

Asked if Wales were improving, Bale said: “Yes. I think we’re still working on things. There’s things we’re improving on.

“We’re working on his style of play, what he wants us to do and sometimes it does take a bit of time.

“I think that’s why it’s good now to have a friendly. We can still work on things instead of training.

“A match situation is always more intense and difficult to do things than in training.

“We still want to keep that winning mentality and get that momentum building, and by winning games that’s what you do.”

Wales return to Euro 2020 qualifying action next month with a double-header away to Slovakia and at home to Croatia.