Bale 'nowhere near' full fitness, claims Coleman

The 24-year-old Real Madrid attacker came off
the bench to make his first competitive
appearance of the season on Tuesday
Gareth Bale is "nowhere near" his peak level
of fitness, according to Wales manager Chris
Coleman.
The Real Madrid man, who played just 45
minutes of pre-season for Tottenham, made a
cameo in his country's 3-0 defeat to Serbia on
Tuesday, in what was his first competitive
appearance of the season.
With Bale eyeing a debut for the Liga giants
against Villarreal on Saturday, though, his
international boss is sceptical about his ability
to perform at his maximum potential.
"He played 30 minutes but after 15 minutes he
looked tired - but he has only had four
training sessions, so you will not get what you
normally get," Coleman said.
"If he starts Saturday he will not finish the
game, I would be amazed if he does. He is
nowhere near ready for 90 minutes even if
Spanish football is slower.
"He may get 45 minutes, I don't know, but he
will feel better in himself after 30 minutes."
Bale was introduced into the match at the
Cardiff City Stadium after Serbia had scored
their third goal and the game had been put to
rest, but the 24-year-old did pose a threat to
the visitors and Coleman hailed his positive
impact on the game.
"He gave us a lift," the 43-year-old added.
"The fans were excited and it gave us a spur,
although the game was done and dusted.
"We needed to be in the game, it was lost by
then, but it was nice for the Welsh supporters
to see him."