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Ledley confident Real Madrid ace Bale will be first Welsh player to reach 100 caps

Gareth Bale will become the first Welsh player to reach the 100-cap milestone according to Joe Ledley.

The 25-year old Real Madrid winger is set to make his 50th appearances for his country in Friday's Euro2016 qualifier against Belgium in Cardiff.

Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall played 92 times for the Dragons during his career while the late, great Gary Speed notched 85 caps to be his country's most-capped outfield player but Bale will beat them both according to Crystal Palace midfielder Ledley.

"For me he is one of the best players in the world and I think Gareth and Wayne (Hennessey) will get to 100 caps, and Chris Gunter is also over 50 at such a young age," said Ledley.

"I roomed with him once or twice as we had just come into the squad. He was quiet and used to just get on with it. Any kid who comes through at club and country is shy, but he has grown into a man.

"But you can see from Gareth now that he plays for one of the best teams in the world. You can only just listen to a person like that and learn.

"He has proven now at his age that this is what he wants to do. He is so dedicated to Wales, he loves meeting up and we treat him like anyone else who walks through the door. But he wants to win and is only used to winning."

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Andrew Slevison
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