• Euro 2012 qualifiers

Speed hopeful of swift Bale return for Spurs

Gareth Bale is the centre of attention on account of his injury © PA Photos

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Gary Speed has moved to allay Tottenham Hotspur's fears by expressing his hope that the winger will be fit in time to take on Real Madrid on April 5.

Wales were rocked by the news Bale would miss out on the Euro 2012 qualifier with England on Saturday on account of a hamstring injury. It was initially reported that the injury was picked up in training on Wednesday, but Wales were quick to issue a denial and stated the damage was done while with Tottenham.

This was interpreted as a swipe at Tottenham, but Wales boss Speed was quick to deny this.

"What was reported that Gareth pulled his hamstring in training yesterday was not correct," Speed said. "That was incorrect as he did not train yesterday. We take time and effort to make sure our players are right so when something is reported that is incorrect it is not right.

"In no way did it refer to Tottenham," Speed said of the Wales statement denying the injury was picked up with his country. "That is a given. I can understand how it might be portrayed that it was, but it wasn't. The incompetent bit referred to the reporting that said he picked up the injury yesterday. We have talked about it and nipped it in the bud and we move on now.

"It is disappointing this has happened as we have worked hard on our relationships with clubs. The relationship will hopefully stand us in good stead for the future."

Commenting on the extent of Bale's injury, with Tottenham facing Real Madrid in the Champions League on April 5, Speed said: "I am sure he will play next week. It is from last week and I am no expert, but I am sure it is only a 10-day thing."

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