Wednesday 25 March 2015 19:28, UK
Gareth Bale put his Real Madrid woes behind him as he enjoyed the company of his Wales team-mates ahead of their crucial European Qualifier against Israel.
Madrid's world-record signing has had to weather a difficult spell in the Spanish capital after his form attracted mounting criticism from fans and media.
The on-going saga reached a new low on Sunday when two supporters were filmed screaming insults and kicking his car after Real's 2-1 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona.
However, while he may feel unappreciated in Madrid, his Wales colleagues, who are bemused by the criticism he is receiving, have welcomed him back with open arms.
"He's the same as usual," Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen said. "He's a world-class player who shows that in every minute in every session.
"It is great to have him here and I doubt the Israelis will be looking forward to facing him.
"I don't get the impression that he is someone who is fazed by these sorts of things.
"It comes with the territory at a club like that and I doubt it has too much influence on him."
"Gareth is a class player - and when it comes to playing with Wales he's shown how passionate he is towards it. The performances he has been putting in have been fantastic and hopefully he can carry on doing that and take us on."
Burnley's Sam Vokes said the recent criticism in Spain will not affect the 25-year-old against Israel in Haifa this weekend, as tries to help his country qualify for a major tournament final for the first time since 1958.
"He's enjoying his football and I know he loves coming away with Wales," Vokes said. "It's a big game and he's used to playing on the big occasion.
"He's a great character, a strong character, you have to be to play at that level week in, week out.
"Just seeing him a few days here he is buzzing around the place and looking forward to getting started."
Swansea defender Neil Taylor even suggested Bale has become accustomed to the daily dramas played out in Madrid.
"He's fine, normal Gareth," Taylor said. "I think he's become a bit acclimatised to how his life is now with stuff like that.
"As soon as you get used to that and become comfortable with it, I think you brush everything off quite easily - whether you're doing well or not doing well you have to take everything the same way.
"And he's played in enough big games now to be able to deal with all of that."
Wales are unbeaten in their four Group B games to date, including a 0-0 draw with favourites Belgium in Brussels in their last outing. Victory over leaders Israel would put them top.
Swansea defender Ashley Richards withdrew from the Wales squad on Wednesday night with a calf strain.
Declan John, the twice-capped Cardiff defender who is currently on loan at Barnsley, has been promoted from the Under-21 squad to replace Richards.
Watch Israel v Wales live on Saturday. Coverage starts at 4.30pm, Sky Sports 5 HD.
