Wales captain Bale in good shape ahead of 100th cap

 

 

Gareth Bale is in “good shape” and ready to boost Wales’ World Cup qualifying hopes by winning his 100th cap on Saturday, says goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Real Madrid forward Bale has not played since September 8 when making his 99th appearance in a goalless draw with Estonia in Cardiff.

Bale tore his hamstring a few days after that qualifier, but he has reported for international duty ahead of closing World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Belgium and trained with the Wales squad on Tuesday.

“He’s looking very well,” Hennessey said. “He’s in good shape, he’s smiling and laughing – and when you get Gaz like that he’s fantastic to be around.”

Encouraging signs for Wales fans as Gareth Bale trains with the rest of the squad ahead of what would be his 100th cap against Belarus

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti had hoped to include Bale against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, but the 32-year-old Wales captain was not considered fit enough to make the matchday squad.

But Hennessey believes that will not stop Bale from becoming only the second Welshman, after Chris Gunter, to reach the 100-cap landmark against Belarus in Cardiff this weekend.

Hennessey said: “He looks after himself very well. He’s always in the gym doing stuff and keeping up on his fitness.

“He’s very particular what he eats. He looks after his body and is in good shape.

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“What he can do on a football field is absolutely amazing. Everyone knows his talent but he’s a special guy and a special person. He’s down to earth and fame will never change him.

“He’s a fantastic leader, a leader we’ve enjoyed, and who can hopefully keep leading us.

“People don’t see that side of him, when he’s in the dressing room. He’s vocal, he has got a fantastic football brain and he’s played at the highest level.”

Burnley goalkeeper Hennessey and Bale made their Wales debuts within a year of each other and have been team-mates for nearly 15 years.