Coleman planning to rest Bale

Boss Chris Coleman insists he will only allow Gareth Bale to play 45 minutes when Wales play their final friendly before Euro 2016 against Sweden on Sunday.

The former Tottenham star has been given extra rest compared to the rest of the squad due to his commitments with Real Madrid. Bale played in the Champions League final last weekend and helped his side beat rivals Atletico on penalties.

After a number of niggling injuries this year, Coleman is refusing to take any chances after Bale pulled up with cramp last week. Speaking ahead of kick-off, the former Fulham coach admitted Bale will only feature in one half.

He told reporters: “Balo will play a part, whether starting or coming on as sub. ”He’s had a tough season, he missed a little time through injury, and just had 120 minutes in the Champions League final. “He might get half an hour as a sub or start and get 45. But what I do know is that he won’t get 90 minutes, he doesn’t need that.”

While Bale is set to feature, Coleman will be without the injured trio of Joe Allen, Joe Ledley and Hal Robson-Kanu in Stockholm. However, he is confident they will be fit enough to play in their first Euro 2016 Group B game against Slovakia on June 11.

Wales are priced at 2.70 to win the match, with the draw available at 2.88, while Slovakia are the slight outsiders at 2.88.