Wales coach Chris Coleman is delighted Real Madrid signing Gareth Bale agreed to join the squad this week.
Wales' hopes of qualifying for next summer's World Cup are all but over, yet Bale considered it important he turn up for his country, and Coleman believes he is a shining example to his team-mates.
He said: "If we are to get better and climb the rankings, we need all our players here. Even if they have little knocks, or are maybe being put under pressure by their managers, we need them to be strong and to say they are turning up.
"That is what Gareth has done. If it is good enough for him it is good enough for all of us.
"I'm delighted with his attitude but it doesn't surprise me. I know the type of lad he is, he is passionate about Wales.
"The fact he called me to say he was on his way to Real Madrid, and he had the unveiling to do, but then he would be catching a flight back (to join the Wales squad), speaks volumes for him."
Coleman also thanked Real Madrid for allowing Bale to travel back and join up with Wales.
He said: "Credit to them, they have not put any barriers in front of him, there has not even been a conversation.
"I know Carlo Ancelotti's right-hand man Paul Clement very well, he coached with me at Fulham, so that will be good for us going forward, the fact that we have a connection there and a relationship."
