Claus Lundekvam isn't surprised by the success of Tottenham star Gareth Bale.

Lundekvam was at Southampton when Bale and Arsenal's Theo Walcott burst on to the scene as teenagers eight months apart.

And the Norwegian international said he knew instantly he was brushing shoulders with future world superstars.

He said: "They were two kids with enormous potential and special qualities, which we could see pretty quickly.

"Gareth was quick then but has grown into an awesome footballer and got stronger and quicker over the years.

"He's unbelievable. I'd rate him in the top five players in the world right now."