Wales boss explains Arsenal and Spurs duo’s penalty agreement

Wales's Gareth Bale celebrates scoring his side's winner against Scotland. Photo credit: David Davies/PA Wire.

Saturday, October 13, 2012
3:58 PM

Wales boss Chris Coleman has revealed first choice penalty-taker Aaron Ramsey stepped aside for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale to take their spot kick in their 2-1 World Cup qualifying win against Scotland.

The Dragons were trailing 1-0 when Bale won a penalty 10 minutes from time in last night’s clash in Cardiff.

Ramsey, who was relieved as Wales captain earlier this week, opted to give to ball to Bale, who scored the penalty before netting a stunning late winner.

After the match, Coleman said: “Aaron normally takes them, but I think Aaron thought ‘Baley is on fire and playing with confidence’, so he gave the ball to Baley.”

The Wales boss was keen to praise 21-year-old Ramsey’s attitude since announcing his decision to switch the armband from him to Ashley Williams.

“It has been a tough week for Aaron because I took the captaincy off him,” said Coleman.

“But I think he understood my reasons for it, and his response couldn’t have been any better.”