Tuesday 13 October 2015 14:46, UK
Gareth Bale is thriving off the freedom he has playing for Wales, the Sun's Shaun Custis told the Sunday Supplement.
Despite slipping to a 2-0 defeat in Bosnia, Wales qualified for next summer's European Championship, and sealed a spot at a major tournament for the first time in 58 years following Israel's failure to beat Cyprus.
Bale has been the figurehead of Wales' historic campaign, and Custis feels the Real Madrid star is flourishing on the international scene away from the Bernabeu.
"There is something about Gareth Bale, he almost looks as like he is playing with his mates," Custis said.
"He has to go away with Real Madrid and that's the serious business. I know he wins trophies at Real, but does he really enjoy it that much?
"Yet when you interview Bale with Wales he has a child-like quality about him, he likes mucking around and when he gets to the national team it's like a release.
"Wales are loving and enjoying playing together, you can see it in their faces. Chris Coleman loves it, enjoys it and relishes it.
"When we saw the revised format for qualification we thought they would have a chance and, even though we criticised it, it has worked for teams like Wales.
"It has given them a great opportunity and they look like they will revel in it at France next year."
"I know Bale wins trophies at Real, but does he really enjoy it that much? Yet he has a child-like quality about him, he likes mucking around and when he gets to Wales it's like a release."
Custis went on to compare Bale's enthusiasm to play for the national team to Manchester United's Ryan Giggs who, like the majority of Welsh greats, failed to play in a major tournament.
"Bale goes away with Wales and it's fun and he's clearly part of that group in a way that maybe Ryan Giggs was not," Custis added.
"Giggs was at the top of his game but Manchester United was all encompassing, Sir Alex Ferguson didn't want him going off and Giggs never seemed to enjoy it."
