'Bale is not a great player'

      Republic of Ireland legend John Giles has claimed Gareth Bale is "not a great player" and without him "Wales are very average".

         Ireland head into Friday's World Cup Qualifier at the Aviva Stadium , two points clear at the top of Group D having registered 10 points from a possible 12 in the campaign so far, two better off than Serbia in second and four ahead of third-placed Wales.

      Giles, who earned 59 caps for the Republic of Ireland over a 20-year international career, thinks Bale needs to be playing at a different club to Cristiano Ronaldo before he can be put in the same bracket as his Real Madrid team-mate.Bale has a bit to go before I would call him a great player," said Giles.

     "It seems to me that he needs to get away from Ronaldo to make the final step."I really like Gareth Bale, first as a player and secondly as a human being.

    Giles made 383 league appearances for Leeds United over a 12 year spell

     "I don't know him but everything I've seen leads me to think he's a good lad with very few airs and graces and he remains rooted in his family and friends back in Wales.

      "While Ronaldo, with all his money and medals, still feels the need to show off, still stands on the tips of his toes to make himself big in team photos, Bale gets on with his work and plays for the team.Giles feels Bale will never truly be great until he leaves the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo

     "Wales has been a great outlet for Bale and we have seen by the way he leads the team that he has a genuine passion and delight in playing for his country.

    "I don't buy the idea that Wales are a decent team without him. They have Aaron Ramsey who thinks he's a great player but isn't. Without Bale, they would be very average."