Bale to face Man City FA Cup test

Bale could come up against another hot prospect, City's Micah Richards

Southampton prodigy Gareth Bale will be measured against Premiership opposition for the first time in Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie at Manchester City.

Saints boss George Burley says he will pick the 17-year-old defender, who has been the subject of a £10m approach.

Bale missed Saints third round win at Torquay through injury and Burley said: "If he's fit, he'll play on Sunday.

"I don't need to see him against Premiership opposition to know his qualities," added the Saints boss.

Bale's omission from the win at Torquay raised speculation that Saints did not want the Wales international to be cup-tied prior to a possible sale in the transfer window.

Manchester United and Tottenham are believed to be heading the chase for Bale, although Saints deny turning down an initial £5m bid from Spurs, and an increased £8m offer from United.

But Burley said: "Gareth had a hamstring strain when we played Torquay, but he played at QPR last Saturday, and he is fit."

Bale's presence could put him in direct opposition to Micah Richards, City's 18-year-old England defender who is also the subject of intense transfer speculation.