Ryan Giggs says he has no Nations League concerns over Gareth Bale despite his star forward’s problems at Real Madrid.
Bale was whistled off at the Bernabeu by some sections of the Real support on Saturday as he was substituted in the 2-0 LaLiga win against Real Valladolid.
He has now gone seven games without a goal, and last week former Real striker Jorge Valdano ramped up the pressure on the Welshman by claiming Bale’s £85.3million transfer fee had “created this illusion he’s some sort of world superstar”.
Bale missed last month’s high-profile friendly defeat to Spain and the Nations League victory against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin because of muscle fatigue.
But after naming Bale in his 26-man squad for the Nations League decider against Denmark on November 16, Giggs said: “We are talking about a world-class player who never lets his country down.
“We’ve got one more (Real) game to go before the weekend, but hopefully he will be meeting up with us on Sunday.
“He’s been five years at Madrid. I had it at United, he’s under that scrutiny all the time.
“He’s used to it, but I know he can’t wait to join up with the lads and be part of it.
“Being at such a big club like Real Madrid he has seen it all. He is a brilliant player and one we want to see with us in the squad.”
Anderlecht defender James Lawrence was a surprise call up for the Denmark game and the friendly in Albania four days later.
Henley-on-Thames born Lawrence, 26, was at the Arsenal and Ajax youth academies and joined Anderlecht in August 2018 after playing for AC Trentin in Slovakia.
He qualifies through his Haverfordwest grandmother, and Giggs said: “He’s gone under the radar a bit, he started at Arsenal and has gone abroad.
“He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet and it will be good to see him up close.
“We are always looking to see if players can play for Wales and check them out. He’s playing at a very good club and he’s playing regularly.”
Wales Under-21 winger Daniel James earns a call up after impressive displays for Swansea.
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu are back after missing the Republic win.
Paul Dummett and Neil Taylor also return to the squad, but Tottenham defender Ben Davies, who is suspended for the Denmark tie, is omitted.
