Brian Flynn believes Tottenham star Gareth Bale is on course to reach the career heights Wales' caretaker boss predicted for him.
Bale will be crucial to hopes of Wales reviving their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign against Bulgaria next Friday and then Switzerland.
Bale, 21, has shone for Spurs this season - but his form is no surprise to Flynn.
"Gareth is playing the best of his short career, so far," he said.
"When I first saw him as a 15-year-old he was sensational, and I thought he was one huge talent. He is turning out to be that.
"He is proving a huge jewel for them [Tottenham], and he is for us as well.
"If I recall, I think I made a statement that he would be the best left-sided player in Europe before he was 23, and he's heading that way. Gareth is an outstanding talent."
Bale features in a 24-man squad for two games that are effectively auditions Flynn must pass to have any realistic chance of succeeding John Toshack as full-time manager.
The squad does not include captain Craig Bellamy, who has been sidelined through injury recently.
There is speculation Cardiff's on-loan striker could make his return in today's Championship game against Barnsley at Oakwell.
But Flynn has moved quickly to erase thoughts of any issues surrounding the former Manchester City marksman.
"Craig Bellamy would definitely start in any Wales team. Unfortunately, Craig's not just right at the moment," added Flynn.
"I have discussed it with Dave [Jones, Cardiff manager] at length, and I am quite happy with the situation we find ourselves in.
"As a manager, you have to accept injury situations and deal with them as they are. I have accepted Dave's explanation, and I am quite happy with that.
"Yes, I would like Craig to be playing. If he was fit for both games, great, but the likelihood is he wouldn't be."
Swansea defender Ashley Williams is favourite to take over as skipper against Bulgaria in Cardiff next Friday night, while Flynn's line-up could also include Stoke's Danny Collins.
Collins has been recalled after three years in the international wilderness, having not played for his country since August 2007 after falling out with previous boss Toshack.
Flynn, meanwhile, revealed he had spoken with 35-year-old Robbie Savage, who also quit international football during Toshack's reign.
While the Derby midfielder was not a contender for Flynn's first squad, a subsequent return to Wales colours now cannot be ruled out.
Savage's relationship with Toshack was famously fractious, although Flynn has adopted an open-door policy in terms of former international players possibly returning to the fold.
Flynn said: "I have spoken to Robbie Savage and explained the situation to him.
"He offered his services. After these two games, who knows what might happen? He said if I wanted him, he was available."
Bale will be crucial to hopes of Wales reviving their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign against Bulgaria next Friday and then Switzerland.
Bale, 21, has shone for Spurs this season - but his form is no surprise to Flynn.
"Gareth is playing the best of his short career, so far," he said.
"When I first saw him as a 15-year-old he was sensational, and I thought he was one huge talent. He is turning out to be that.
"He is proving a huge jewel for them [Tottenham], and he is for us as well.
"If I recall, I think I made a statement that he would be the best left-sided player in Europe before he was 23, and he's heading that way. Gareth is an outstanding talent."
Bale features in a 24-man squad for two games that are effectively auditions Flynn must pass to have any realistic chance of succeeding John Toshack as full-time manager.
The squad does not include captain Craig Bellamy, who has been sidelined through injury recently.
There is speculation Cardiff's on-loan striker could make his return in today's Championship game against Barnsley at Oakwell.
But Flynn has moved quickly to erase thoughts of any issues surrounding the former Manchester City marksman.
"Craig Bellamy would definitely start in any Wales team. Unfortunately, Craig's not just right at the moment," added Flynn.
"I have discussed it with Dave [Jones, Cardiff manager] at length, and I am quite happy with the situation we find ourselves in.
"As a manager, you have to accept injury situations and deal with them as they are. I have accepted Dave's explanation, and I am quite happy with that.
"Yes, I would like Craig to be playing. If he was fit for both games, great, but the likelihood is he wouldn't be."
Swansea defender Ashley Williams is favourite to take over as skipper against Bulgaria in Cardiff next Friday night, while Flynn's line-up could also include Stoke's Danny Collins.
Collins has been recalled after three years in the international wilderness, having not played for his country since August 2007 after falling out with previous boss Toshack.
Flynn, meanwhile, revealed he had spoken with 35-year-old Robbie Savage, who also quit international football during Toshack's reign.
While the Derby midfielder was not a contender for Flynn's first squad, a subsequent return to Wales colours now cannot be ruled out.
Savage's relationship with Toshack was famously fractious, although Flynn has adopted an open-door policy in terms of former international players possibly returning to the fold.
Flynn said: "I have spoken to Robbie Savage and explained the situation to him.
"He offered his services. After these two games, who knows what might happen? He said if I wanted him, he was available."
FLYNN: BALE FULFILLING HUGE POTENTIAL
![FLYNN: BALE FULFILLING HUGE POTENTIAL]()
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