Burley asks Tosh to rest Bale

Last updated : 16 March 2007 By Wales Reporter
The young full back has turned some heads this season and has been linked with big money moes to Man Utd and Arsenal.

Burley can't affrord to leave him out of his Southampton side as they chase promotion but he would like to avoid him playing "extra" games for Wales.

'Ideally, I would like to rest young Gareth at the moment," said Burley.

'Speaking to him, he is drained. But it is difficult because he is such a good player and the eight games Southampton have left in the league are so crucial for us.

'We can't leave out Gareth ... but it is asking a lot of him to play three games in a week for Southampton, against Stoke, Cardiff and Colchester, and then two more for Wales in the next few days.

'He has played in virtually every game this season, for club and country, and that takes its toll on a youngster.'

Burley hopes Toshack will take Gareth's "tiredness" into account.