GARETH Bale has put his Real Madrid troubles behind him after settling straight back into the international fold, according to Wales team-mate Sam Vokes.
The Burnley striker said Bale had been ‘buzzing’ around the Wales camp as Chris Coleman’s squad prepare for the country’s biggest game for years in Israel on Saturday night.
MORE TOP STORIES:
The 25-year-old has come in for criticism for his recent performances in the white of Madrid, and things reached a nadir on Sunday night when fans kicked out at Bale’s white Bentley as he left Madrid’s Valdebebas training base following their 2-1 La Liga defeat to bitter rivals Barcelona.
He has also been booed by Madrid fans in recent weeks, but according to Vokes, he is enjoying being back amongst his international colleagues.
Bale is usually the story when Coleman’s side gather, but the spotlight has been on him more than usual this week, following his difficult spell in Madrid and rumours of a return to the Premier League.
“He’s enjoying his football and I know he loves coming away with Wales,” Vokes said.
“It’s a big game and he’s used to playing on the big occasion.
“He’s a great character, a strong character, you have to be to play at that level week in, week out.
“Just seeing him a few days here he is buzzing around the place and looking forward to getting started.”
Vokes is back in the Wales squad for the first time in a year after recovering from the cruciate knee ligament injury he picked up last March.
Having started Burnley’s last two games he is now hoping to earn a start for his country and help fire the Dragons’ a step closer to Euro 2016.
“It’s a year since my last game (for Wales),” said the 25-year-old, who has 31 caps.
“It’s been a long road back. It’s a big fixture, we all know that.”
Wales have had an unbeaten start to Euro 2016 qualifying having won two and drawn two of their first four games.
On Saturday night they face the only team in the group with a 100 per cent record, with Israel having won the three qualifiers they have played so far.
- Don't miss our interview with Sam Vokes in tomorrow's Lancashire Telegraph.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel