Snodgrass plays down Bale threat

21 March 2013 02:39

Norwich City winger Robert Snodgrass says he is not worried about facing Gareth Bale when Scotland play Wales on Friday.

The two countries will meet in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Glasgow's Hampden Park on Friday, where all eyes will be on Tottenham Hotspur star Bale.

Snodgrass has played down the focus on one of the English Premier League's in-form players, and called for Scotland to concentrate on taking the game to the opposition.

"As players, you are required to do a job," he said.

"For me, if I'm attacking, I'm not going to be worrying about Gareth Bale. I'm going to be concerned with what I can do to affect the game. That's why you're in the team.

"Whatever way the manager sets Scotland up, it won't be to stop Gareth Bale. It will be to try and win a football match. We're at home, there will be a big crowd at Hampden and there is no better feeling. Hopefully we can take the game to them.

"Bale is in a side that is in the top four in the Premier League. He's got great players round about him but he's carrying Spurs right now. He's unbelievable. I've played against him three times this season and I'm undefeated against him for Norwich."

Snodgrass meanwhile is determined to establish himself as a regular fixture in Gordon Strachan's plans but he recognises that competition for places in the squad is fierce.

"I'd like to get a regular start with Scotland," he said.

"But there are another 20 lads thinking the same thing. You just need to do your best at club level. It's out of my hands.

"All I can do to make the manager's mind up is to try and play at a consistent level week in, week out, so he can watch you and see if you come into his plans.

"I like to try and attack but, in the five years I've been in England, I've learned to work hard for the team. Since I went down south I've added that to my game and that's why I've played nearly 300 games since I went down there. In that regard, managers trust you."