Wales national team boss Brian Flynn believes Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is in the 'top bracket' of players in world football and suggests the 21-year old will only get better.
Cardiff-born Bale has sparked plenty of buzz this season with a string of high-class performances, highlighted by a stunning hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League, and Flynn is of firm belief that he can reach the heights experienced by the world's current number one player, Barcelona's Lionel Messi.
"I have known Gareth's ability from such a young age in many ways it doesn't surprise me the level he is reaching now," Flynn said.
"If you look at all the ingredients needed to be a top player, he is up there in a lot of the brackets.
"I judge players in three key areas: attitude, intelligence and ability where he excels in them all.
"There are a lot of players who are quick but his left-foot is as good as anyone.
"Comparisons with Messi wouldn't faze him a little bit.
"He wouldn't be worried by that sort of adulation because of his intelligence as he can handle being a big star.
"Time will show. He is 21 years old. Messi is 23 and in two years time we could be saying yes Gareth is at that level."
Need your Tottenham news fix? Click here for all Spurs news and transfer rumours.