James Collins told Sky Sports during their live coverage of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifiers that he has ‘never seen’ Tottenham’s Gareth Bale celebrate a throw-in.
Wales recorded a valuable 1-0 win against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, with Tottenham’s summer signing providing the assist for Dan James’ header.
A lot has been made about Bale playing for his country compared to representing Tottenham, or previously Real Madrid, on the domestic circuit.
And former Wales defender, Collins, was asked if there is a ‘sense of trepidation’ when Bale returns to club football because he seems to ‘enjoy’ it more when he’s wearing the colours of his home country.
“Yes, he does,” said Collins. “It’s there for everyone to see. You see the way he performs.
“He loves coming away and being the man. He is the man for Welsh football. He has been for the last 10 years. Like you say, you can see it in his performances.
“I have never seen Gareth Bale celebrate getting a throw-in, in his own half, but that’s what it means to him. That’s what it means playing for his country.”
Well, it’s back to club football for Bale, who has had an up and down time since he returned to Tottenham.
During these past few months, the dead-ball specialist has had better moments under Jose Mourinho, but many are still unconvinced.
But whatever has or hasn’t happened will become irrelevant during this final lap because this is where it matters most, from the League Cup final to their quest to secure a top-four finish.
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