England keeper Joe Hart has admitted Gareth Bale’s absence from Saturday’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales is good news.

Bale has returned to Tottenham after failing to recover from a hamstring strain.

It robs the hosts of their best player and most potent attacking threat as they try to stop the Three Lions in their tracks at the Millennium Stadium.

There has been understandable dismay in Welsh ranks, whilst England, although not revelling in the misfortune of a fellow professional, are hardly crying either.

“The news about Bale is good for us,” said former Shrewsbury keeper Hart. “He is one of their best players.

“No one wants to see him getting hurt or injured of course and I am sure they will have someone ready to come in a fill his shoes. But they are pretty big shoes to fill.”

Hart has an idea about what to expect this weekend, having been in goal for a two-legged European Under-21 Championship play-off with Wales two and a half years ago.

England eventually squeezed through but not without a big scare and the memory ensures Hart will be on his toes this weekend.

“That game was completely different from all our other qualifiers,” recalled the Manchester City No 1.

Affair

“We had won every game up to that point without even conceding a goal.

“Wales weren’t as strong as some of the other countries we had beaten easily but it turned into a completely different affair down in Cardiff. The crowd were on their side and they were really up for it.”

But England are ready, with Fabio Capello in the rare position of being able to pick from the 26-man squad he originally selected on Saturday evening.

With Andy Carroll tipped to start alongside Wayne Rooney up front, other areas of debate surround a central midfield partner for Jack Wilshere, who is set to make his first competitive appearance, and who will slot in alongside John Terry at the back, with the choice likely to be between Michael Dawson and Phil Jagielka.