• London Olympics 2012

Bale keen to play for GB in 2012

Gareth Bale wants to experience a major international tournament © Getty Images

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Gareth Bale is eager to represent Great Britain at London 2012, despite the reluctance of the Welsh FA to allow their players to participate in the event.

Tottenham winger Bale worries he will not get another chance to play in a major international tournament, considering his country last qualified for a World Cup in 1958. The Welsh FA, however, are concerned that being represented under the Great British banner at the Olympics could compromise their independent status within the game.

"I want to play in the Olympics," said the Tottenham Hotspur winger. "I think it would be a great experience.

"At the moment Wales haven't qualified for a major tournament in I don't know how many years so it would be nice to play in one against the best countries in the world.

"You see it with the British and Irish Lions in the rugby, they come together as a unit and play against other countries. It's great and there's no reason why that can't happen with the football."

Bale and Arsenal compatriot Aaron Ramsey could be two Welsh representatives in the combined squad, which would only be able to include two players over the age of 23. But with only England currently prepared to release players for the tournament - with Northern Ireland and Scotland also concerned about their FIFA status - Bale acknowledges that ultimately the decision will probably not be his to make.

"The crowds would be piling in to watch us," said Bale, noting the attraction of playing on home soil. "It would be a great atmosphere and experience for us.

"I'm not really sure how it works with who can play though. That's something that Wales would decide."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.