Bale ruled out of Wales' friendly against Republic of Ireland

The Real Madrid target has played just once for Tottenham during pre-season, while the Dragons assistant does not feel speculation over the winger's future will distract the squad

Tottenham star Gareth Bale has been ruled out of Wales' friendly against Republic of Ireland with an ongoing foot injury.

The winger has featured just once for Spurs, scoring in the club's first pre-season friendly against Swindon in July, with speculation surrounding his future following Real Madrid's interest.

Andre Villas-Boas admitted recently that he doubts Bale will be
fit for Tottenham's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 18, and Wales assistant manager, Kit Symons, confirmed he will only participate in "light" training this week.

"Gareth will do a light session," Symons told Sky Sports News.

"He's not done the sufficient work yet to feature [on Wednesday] but the great thing is he wanted to be part of the group and we're pleased to have him on board.

"It shows the levels of trust that we've built up with all the top clubs, the way we conduct ourselves within the organisation."

Symons, though, does not feel Bale's attendance at training will be a distraction for the rest of the squad, with a media attention tracking the 24-year-old.

Symons added: "I don't think it will be. They only want to talk to Gareth and we know Gareth won't be featuring on Wednesday night, so I don't think it will affect the group at all."