BALE: KILLER WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE

GARETH BALE is ready to be a smiling assassin to take down his adopted country, according to Welsh teammates.

The Wales captain and record scorer (above) moved to Los Angeles FC this summer and scored as they won the MLS Cup. But he will lead Wales out against USA on Monday night in their Group B opener.

Bale, 33, has started only two games for LA and has not played a full 90

minutes for his latest club. But his best pal Wayne Hennessey said: “He’s performing very well. He finished on a high with LA. He’s been sharp, he’s enjoying training, and he’s got a smile on his face.

“For us as players and the Welsh fans, it’s always nice to see and I’m sure he can’t wait for Monday.”

Bale, who has netted 40 goals in 108 appearances for his country, scored a brilliant free-kick in Wales’ World Cup play-off semifinal against Austria.

He has been practising his set-pieces in Doha but Hennessey is reluctant to give away any secrets.

The Nottingham Forest keeper added: “I don’t like to say too much about what he does in training and stuff. But we all know how good he is at free-kicks – he is one of the best in the world.

“He is just pure class for me. He will do something in training and show people up. He is in good form and looking really well in training so we are hopeful.”

Wales are 6-5 to qualify for the knockout stages.