WALES manager Chris Coleman has backed star man Gareth Bale to ride out the latest wave of criticism from Real Madrid fans.

Bale is back in Wales ahead of Saturday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Austria at the Cardiff City Stadium.

It will come as a welcome break from life in Spain where he was whistled by his own fans following Sunday’s 2-2 home draw with Valencia in La Liga.

And speculation is mounting that he could be about to seal a move to Manchester United before the transfer window closes on Thursday night.

But Coleman, who has previously stated that he would prefer Bale to stay at Real, believes his star man can handle the pressure and prove his doubters wrong.

“Knowing him for the last five or six years, he won't be any different. He won't be fazed by it,” said the Wales boss.

“I remember when he went from Tottenham to Real Madrid that you are like a film star when you play for Real Madrid.

“It wasn't about what he would be like on the pitch, it was how he can handle it as a player off it?

“For him he has absolutely cruised through it.

“There's been a couple of periods where he has been under a lot of pressure.

“But all he needs to do is put his medals up.

“He's answered all the critics. He's come through it with flying colours. I've seen him mature in the last four or five years like I have a lot of our players.

“I wouldn't say he's a different boy, he's still a very down-to-earth character.

“But he's matured in handling a lot of things.

“So this latest episode it won't faze him at all. I'd be amazed if it did.”

Coleman is banking on Bale to help Wales get the wins they need over Austria on Saturday and in Moldova next Tuesday and he can’t understand why anyone would question the 28-year-old.

“He’s won three Champions Leagues medals,” he said. “No one has ever done that. No one else has ever gone to a foreign club from this country and done that. Absolutely nobody can doubt him.

“He's always a story, he's one of the best players in the world. Things will be said and that's the way it is. He knows that. But none of us can complain about it.

“Nobody should ever doubt him about what he is capable of.”