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ESPN staff 7y

Roy Keane on how Republic of Ireland stop Wales' Gareth Bale: 'Hit him...'

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane has said the way to handle Wales star Gareth Bale is to "hit him ... fairly."

Ireland host Wales in a World Cup qualifier on Friday, with Real Madrid forward Bale, who has scored seven La Liga goals this season, set to be the visitors' main threat.

Former Manchester United midfielder Keane said in The Times: "I can't say we've got a particular plan but we've got good players who are up against him.

"They're clever, whether that's on the left or the right, whoever he's up against. Wardy [Stephen Ward] is having a good season. We've got Seamus [Coleman], and if Bale's playing off the front we've got two centre-backs, we've got a couple of midfield players around him.

"The basic advice to any player if you're up against a word-class player is for somebody to get to him as quick as you can. Don't let him get his head up like he does at Real Madrid. Don't give him space in behind because the boy can run. Tackle him. Hit him ... fairly. Tackling is part of the bloody game."

Keane added of the former Tottenham Hotspur winger: "He's a top, top player, a brilliant player. He has been doing it right there at the highest level in the last few years. I've always liked him.

"He's a talented boy who has fulfilled his potential and probably more. But our lads should look forward to the challenge. You should want to play against and play with the best."

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