Wales star Gareth Bale to miss friendly international with Northern Ireland

Bale has been left out of the Welsh squad for the game – and the fixture against Ukraine.

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and West Ham defender James Collins are also absent from Chris Coleman’s squad.

Coleman said Bale’s absence was a joint decision between the Football Association of Wales and Real Madrid.

Northern Ireland play Wales in Cardiff on March 24 before hosting Slovenia four days later in Belfast.