Giggs Praises

By Harry Morgan

Ryan Giggs plays his first competitive game as Wales coach on Thursday night, and the Manchester United legend has spoken of the importance of Gareth Bale in his side in the UEFA Nations League.

The Dragons welcome Martin O’Neill's Republic of Ireland to the Cardiff City Stadium in Ryan Giggs’ first game since replacing Chris Coleman this year.

Bale, who has been accused of choosing games, is in fine form at Real Madrid.

He has scored three goals in all three La Liga opening matches, and Giggs insists the wing forward does not act as a superstar with Wales.

“The thing about Gareth is he is a superstar, but he is also one of the lads and that's great to see. You know the lads make jokes about him, but you also recognize you have got a star within your ranks."

“He's not only a great player, but a really good bloke as well. With myself at United and Gareth at Real Madrid, you get that pressure week in, week out so you are sort of used to it.”

Giggs believes Bale's experience with Real Madrid makes him immune to pressure.

“He relishes more pressure; the bigger the situation, the better he does," he said of the Bale, whose experience at Real Madrid, he said, makes him immune to pressure.

“He started where he finished off last season with that fantastic goal in the Champions League final. It's great when the players are doing well for their club; they come to you full of confidence and are fit. That is always a bonus for a national team manager."