Gareth Bale says the “future looks good” for Wales under new boss Craig Bellamy.

The Red Dragons drew 0-0 with Turkey before beating Montenegro 2-1 in Bellamy’s opening two matches as head coach following Robert Page’s departure in the summer.

And Bale – who scored 41 goals in 111 caps for his country before retiring after the 2022 World Cup – feels the current Nations League campaign will be hugely beneficial for Bellamy in advance of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking at the Gareth Bale Festival of Sport at Celtic Manor, the Wales legend said: “I watched the first two games and I think it’s been a great start.

“Knowing Craig from playing with him, he’s a very passionate man about football.

“You can see already, he’s bringing that enthusiasm to the team.”

Wales head into their second camp under Bellamy joint-top of their Nations League group after collecting four of the first six points on offer.

And former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy star Bale believes the Red Dragons can take huge confidence from their opening double header of the post-Page era.

“I think it’s been two great performances,” added Bale.

“It was important for him to get his first win against Montenegro and the future looks good.

“He seems like a great manager. He’s very encouraging of the players, he has a young squad in place and I guess he has this campaign to stamp his authority to get the boys ready for the next qualification.”

The Gareth Bale Festival of Sport is an annual event launched in 2022.

It allows young people living in underserved communities in South Wales to access a “safe, fun and exciting one-day multi-sport festival”.

“It’s massively important to give back,” Bale said of the initiative.

“To see the kids running around, having a great time, making friends and just enjoying being a kid is amazing to see.”