GARY CALDWELL reckons Scotland will find themselves facing one of the best players in world football in the shape of Gareth Bale.

The Wigan stopper believes the outcome of Friday's World Cup qualifying showdown against Wales in Cardiff could hinge on how well Craig Levein's side cope with the threat of the Tottenham superstar.

Caldwell has already witnessed Bale's talents at close quarters in the English Premier League and knows it is vital to deny him room to highlight his class.

"The big thing for us on Friday night will be to not allow him space to run in to," said Caldwell. "I think Wales have a number of key players but you can't really look any further than Bale. He has got to be considered their best player and the biggest threat to us.

"When he is running forward, whether it is from a wide position or through the middle, he is extremely difficult to stop when he is in full flight.

"He is so fast and strong and he also has a terrific shot. You see just how good a player he is almost every weekend with Spurs.

"He was young when Harry Redknapp first signed him for Spurs but he has been allowed to develop there and he has been converted from a left-back into an attacking midfield player.

"Over the last couple of years, you would have to say he has developed into a world-class player. He really is in that bracket.

"It isn't every team you face who have a player quite as good as him so he is the one we need to stop, although Wales aren't a one-man team. They have other quality players.

"I wouldn't say it will be down to a certain individual to keep an eye on him. It will be down to everyone and we will attempt to do that as a team.

"It will be important to restrict the space – we have to make sure we don't leave big gaps for him to run into."