Injury boost for youngster Bale

Defender Bale came off midway through the first half of his side's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle United on Monday.

It was feared the 18-year-old could miss Wales' matches with the Republic of Ireland and Germany next month.

But Spurs manager Martin Jol said: "We've scanned the injury several times and nothing is broken."

The scans showed Bale had only suffered bruising, following a late challenge by Newcastle captain Geremi.

Jol added: "There is significant bruising, it is still painful and we'll know more once the bruising has gone down.

"I feel he will be fine though and will only be out for a week to 10 days."

Wales face the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on 17 November and then travel to Germany four days later.

John Toshack's Wales side cannot qualify for next year's European Championships but two victories could improve their ranking for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

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