Serbia captain Branislav Ivanovic has revealed that he expects Gareth Bale to feature for Wales when the two sides meet tomorrow night and is looking forward to the challenge of facing the world's most expensive footballer.

Bale did not play any part in Wales's 2-1 defeat to Macedonia on Friday and has been struggling with a groin injury ahead of Tuesday's clash with Serbia.

However, the new Real Madrid winger took part in a full training session this afternoon and Ivanovic expects him to play some part tomorrow night.

"Bale is one of the best players in the world, everyone knows that, but it is not just him. There are other great players in the Wales squad and they have played really well in some games. Bale is one of their main players but we do not know whether he will play or how long he will play, but we have to be ready to face a side with him or without him, and we are," Ivanovic told PA.

"It's difficult to stop him, he is a player who is always hard to mark. But for us it is important to play as a team as one individual cannot make that much of a difference over a game.

"I expect him to play some part. It has been a very interesting period for him, he is an exciting player and he will be motivated to be back on the football field but we are ready for that. Facing him is one of the biggest challenges for any player, but at the same time it is one of the biggest motivations. It is a pleasure to face the best players."

Serbia thrashed Wales 6-1 in the reverse fixture just over one year ago.

Written by
Barney Corkhill