Wales coach Ryan Giggs won't hear criticism of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

Bale's commitment and professionalism has been questioned in Spain.

But Giggs says: "We played a game [on Tuesday] and he looked really good, sharp and really fresh, I'm excited to see him in these two games [against Croatia and Hungary].

"He was sharp, he wanted the ball, and he was practising his trademark of cutting in on his left foot. He scored a great goal.

"Afterwards when a lot of the lads went in he was practising his shooting, so that doesn't strike me as someone who just wants to get off and go back to his room.

"It struck me as a professional who still loves football."

Giggs is surprised with the way in which the fans have forgotten about the 29-year-old's Champions League final exploits.

"Yes [I'm surprised by the criticism, but I'm not over there [in Madrid]," Giggs added.

"I'm not a Real Madrid fan. I don't know the ins and outs and I'm only looking from the outside.

"But you've got a player who won the team the Champions League final last year with one of the best goals you've ever seen and performs for that team week in, week out.

"I remember the original Ronaldo [Nazario] getting stick off Real Madrid fans. I remember Cristiano [Ronaldo] getting stick early doors.

"It's that kind of club; it's a club like no other where the white handkerchiefs come out if they don't like you. That's just the way it is."