Gareth Bale reveals his ‘concern’ over hugging Republic of Ireland defender Matt Doherty

Wales captain Gareth Bale has expressed his ‘concern’ over hugging Republic of Ireland defender Matt Doherty.

Doherty tested positive for coronavirus following Sunday’s Nations League clash and was pictured embracing Bale at the end of the game.

Every Welsh player has since returned a negative coronavirus test allowing their Nations League promotion decider against Finland on Wednesday to go ahead.

Doherty (above) tested positive for coronavirus following Sunday’s Nations League clash

Nevertheless, Bale revealed his concern over coming into contact with Doherty and James McClean, who also tested positive for coronavirus. 

He told Sky Sports: ‘It’s a slight concern for everybody when you’ve been playing someone and you’re in close contact with them on the field.

‘Maybe you’re not long enough with them to catch it, but you’re a bit wary.

‘It’s good news that everyone’s come back and tested negative and now we can just concentrate on the game on Wednesday.’     

Bale went on the explain how he and his Tottenham team-mate Ben Davies had reached out to Doherty following his positive test.

Bale claimed the Irishman – who is currently isolating – had ‘mild symptoms’ but was ‘doing fine’.

Bale also shared the pitch with James McClean, who also tested positive for coronavirus

However, Bale is trying to ‘concentrate’ on Nations League promotion decider against Finland

He said: ‘Me and Ben have spoke to him briefly and he’s doing fine, he’s just got mild symptoms.

‘Hopefully he recovers fine, doesn’t have any problems and will be back playing as soon as possible.

‘The FAW are doing a fantastic job keeping to all the protocols. They are making sure we are doing everything right in the hotel and no one is doing anything wrong in training.

‘They’ve done fantastic with that and we’re obviously glad that none of us have tested positive.’ 

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny (right) remains confident in the testing procedure in place

Callum Robinson (above) and Alan Browne have also missed games for Ireland due to Covid-19

Stephen Kenny – who had already lost Callum Robinson and Alan Browne to positive tests this month – remains confident in the testing procedure in place.    

 ‘Some associations will use different testing companies,’ Page said.

‘All I can speak for is ourselves, I can’t speak for Ireland. But we feel what we have done is good planning.

‘Of course there’s going to be contact on the pitch. We’ve watched the game back and it’s hard to determine how long you’ve got to be in close contact for as well.

‘If there’s absolutely any risk we will not take the chance. But our medical protocols have been second to none and we’ve had consistent negative tests so that goes to show we’re doing something right.’