Wales manager Ryan Giggs has backed Gareth Bale to play a key role in the Champions League final on Saturday night.
Bale is not certain to start for Real Madrid, having been a substitute in both legs of their semi-final against Bayern Munich.
The Welshman has netted four times in his last three appearances, however, and it is thought that the attacker has played his way into the starting XI of head coach Zinedine Zidane.
Giggs has branded Bale "one of the best players in the world", and the former Manchester United captain expects the 28-year-old to play a starring role against Liverpool regardless of whether he starts the match.
"Every time Gareth plays he makes an impact. It just shows the professional he is that he's not sulking [when he's a substitute] as he always seems to come on and score," Giggs told reporters.
"He's one of the best players in the world and every time he comes on to that pitch he makes a difference. Again that's a credit to his professionalism, his hunger and desire to get in the team for that final.
"He will be thinking if he starts in the Champions League, great. But if he doesn't, then he's ready to score that winner anyway."
Bale has only scored once in six Champions League appearances for Madrid this season.
Matt Law
