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| Gareth Bale, who was instrumental in Wales’ surprise run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, has netted four goals so far in the World Cup qualifying campaign |
Ireland assistant coach Roy Keane has urged his side to relish the challenge of facing Wales forward Gareth Bale, while making sure the Real Madrid man has no room in which to operate in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.
โBale is a world class player,โ Martin OโNeillโs assistant told reporters, adding that players of Baleโs ability always found a way to make an impact in a game.
โPlayers and coaches have tried to come up with a plan (to stop him) before, but top players figure it out and affect the game anyway.
โYou want to play with the best and against the best, and weโll have a chance on Friday because Bale is up there with some of the top players in the world.โ
Bale, who was instrumental in Walesโ surprise run to Euro 2016 semi-finals in France, has netted four goals so far in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
โThe basic advice to any playerโฆ is to get to him (Bale) as quick as you can, donโt let him get his head up like he does at Real Madrid,โ Keane added.
โDonโt give him space in behind because the boy can run. Tackle him. Hit himโฆ fairly.โ
Group D leaders Ireland, who have two-point lead over second-placed Serbia, can extend their advantage over the third-placed Welsh side to seven points with a win in Dublin.
