Bale admits international days could be nearing end

Gareth Bale admits his international career could be drawing to a close with Wales’ current World Cup qualifying campaign possibly his last.

Wales play the Czech Republic in Cardiff today seeking their first points in Group E after an opening defeat to Belgium.

Bale and company still have this summer’s delayed European Championship finals to look forward to, but Tottenham’s Wales captain will be 33 by the time of the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.

“I haven’t really thought too much past this campaign,” said Bale, who insisted he had not been “disrespectful” last week when outlining his endof-season plans to see out the final year of his Real Madrid contract.

“Obviously, there’s no hiding we are getting older and possibly it is the last campaign,” he said.

“If it is, then it won’t change my mindset. I’m going to be 100% committed like always. We still have a big tournament to play in the summer and then continue with these

qualifiers after. I’m purely focused on the present and what is happening now. Whatever will happen in the future will happen.”

Bale had a slow start to his Spurs return on a season-long loan from Real after arriving with “a little problem in my knee”.

But he scored six goals in as many games in February and earlyMarch, and says he has the “form and speed” to trouble the Czechs, who opened their campaign by beating Estonia and drawing with Belgium.

Bale said: “Confidence is a massive thing in football. Whether you are the best player or the worst, confidence as a footballer, especially for me, is one of the most important things.

“Playing in the final third you need to take risks, you need to feel good about yourself and to be able to beat a defender, shoot and score goals.”

Czech Republic defender Ondrej Kudela has travelled after all despite his club Slavia Prague initially refusing to allow him to play.

Centre-back Kudela was accused of racially abusing Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara during a Europa League tie at Ibrox on March 18.

Slavia had expressed fears over Kudela’s safety if he returned to the UK. ● The Republic of Ireland face World Cup hosts Qatar in a friendly in Debrecen tonight desperate to restore a little pride after their qualifier humiliation at the hands of Luxembourg.

Under-pressure manager Stephen Kenny’s squad has been ripped apart by injuries once again, but he needs a win at the 11th time of asking if he is to inspire faith in what he is trying to do.

Wales star Gareth Bale.