Former Manchester United defender Paul McGrath has told Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale to buck up his ideas and learn the language.

McGrath believes Bale can still make it in Spain, if he learns the local lingo.

He wrote in the Sunday World: "When you go to work and live in another country, you must adapt and that involves doing your best to learn the language.

"If you don't attempt to master it, then the dressing-room gets the vibe, fairly or unfairly, that you are just there for a couple of seasons for the big salary.

"Gareth could learn from two Irish internationals who moved over to the Continent.

"Liam Brady is fluent in Italian to this day, having immersed himself in Italian culture and style during his time with Juventus.

"Michael Robinson's Spanish became so good that he was a Radio and TV commentator in that country - so it can be done, Gareth.

"Every season for the last 20 years in which Real Madrid have not won a trophy, they have fired their manager."