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Carlo Ancelotti said I am not Gareth Bale s father but launched a defence of the Real Madrid forward and insists he will play if he deserves to when returning from international duty.

Since coming back from a loan stint with Tottenham last season, Bale has made just three appearances for Los Blancos – the same number of times he has played for Wales in 2021-22 – due to a troublesome thigh injury.

Despite including two LaLiga titles, four Champions League medals and a Copa del Rey on an impressive resume with Madrid, the club s fanbase have often made Bale the subject of their ire.

It was put to head coach Ancelotti that he had protected Bale like a father in the past, but the Italian said his achievements at the club should always be remembered.

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Angus Gunn feels like he has been a Scotland player for years given the way he has fitted into the squad and enjoyed some major memories.

Now he believes he and his Scotland team-mates can cap off an extraordinary six months by getting a result in Spain on Thursday and qualifying for Euro 2024.

The goalkeeper only made his debut in March but has experienced victory over Spain – on his second appearance – and a dramatic comeback win against Norway in Oslo.

In five competitive games, the Norwich player has only conceded one goal – an Erling Haaland penalty.

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“It’s been seamless really,” the 27-year-old said. “The lads have mad…

Italy can continue their unbeaten record in Euro 2012 qualifying when they face Estonia in Modena in Group C on Friday.

Cesare Prandelli s side have won four of their five matches so far and top the group by five points, with Estonia six points behind the leaders in fourth.

Prandelli has selected a strong squad for the visit of Estonia, in what he describes as a decisive match.

Estonia is going to be the decisive game, Prandelli said.

I want a group prepared to graft. We ve always struggled when we play in June and September.

Prandelli has tasted defeat just once as national team boss, that coming in August when Italy were defeated 1-0 by the Ivory Coast in a friendly.

That was his first match in charge, but Prandelli has since shown h…