Gareth Bale is saving himself for Wales

Gareth Bale is saving his best for Wales…according to the man who wants to shatter his Euro 2016 dreams.

Israel coach Eli Guttman reckons Bale is keeping some of his powder dry for Wales’ huge game in Haifa later this month after seeing his Real Madrid form criticised.

Bale was among the Galacticos booed by the Bernabeu crowd despite seeing off Shalke’s brave Champions League fightback on Tuesday night, Carlo Ancelotti’s side losing 4-3 on the night but going through 5-4 on aggregate as they look to defend the European crown the Welshman helped them win in May.

It comes after Real fans called for Bale to be dropped in an online poll as part of demands for a change in formation while former Barcelona star turned TV pundit Gary Lineker admitted it’s time for Bale “to show his mettle” after supporters got on his back.

Yet Israel boss Guttman has made the shock claim Bale’s desire to lead Wales to qualification glory is partly behind his dip in form as he eyes the massive away day on March 28 as Chris Coleman’s unbeaten Dragons take on the surprise group leaders.

And he has warned his players that the 25-year-old will murder them if they don’t recognise that form is temporary but world class is permanent.