Southampton Football Club News

• Nickname:Saints
• Founded:1885
• Manager:Nigel Adkins

• Ground:St. Mary's Stadium
• Capacity:32,551

Claus lauds Bale progress

21 Dec 2006 - 08:18:50

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Southampton captain Claus Lundekvam has hailed teenage left-back Gareth Bale as a special talent.

The 17-year-old Saints ace has netted six goals already this season, as well as making his senior international debut for Wales, sparking interest from a number of Premiership clubs.

Lundekvam told the club's official website: "Gareth is a special talent, no doubt about it.

"He works hard in practice but it is a natural talent. However there is far more to him than just free-kicks.

"He is strong with a lot of energy and gets forward so well. He is involved in every attack and is a major threat.

"He has really grown up in recent months and is just going to get better and better.

"He is developing through playing regularly and he still has plenty of time. It is easy to forget he is still only 17."