Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp says Gareth Bale is as good as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The 21 year old, who scored twice to kick-start Wales' World Cup qualifying campaign against Scotland, takes on Croatia on Tuesday night hoping to repeat his heroics.

And Redknapp, who can be credited with having played a pivotal part in Bale's career both in his early days at Southampton and then at Tottenham, says the Welshman is reaching a level close to two of the world's best players.

Gareth Bale
Bale score twice to beat Scotland.

"He's an amazing, amazing talent and he's after the Ronaldos and Messis of this world and he's getting better and better," Redknapp said.

"He's almost unplayable when he's on his game. He is a genuine world-class player. Enquire

"There's nobody he couldn't play for. He'd improve any team."

"It was amazing how he turned the game [against Scotland) around," Redknapp added on the Tottenham flyer.

"With 10 minutes to go you're looking for somebody who can do something special and Gareth can do something special. He can do everything and could play anywhere. He's the full package.

"He can head it, he can dribble, he can shoot, he's got a great physique, he's an amazing athlete, he can score with both feet - there are no weaknesses in his game.

"He is already at the top but any team in the world would love to have Gareth Bale playing for them. And he is a great lad as well with a good family behind him. It couldn't happen to a nicer lad."

The responsibility will be on Wales' talisman to inspire Chris Coleman's team to another victory against a Croatia side who are joint-top of Group A with seven points from their first three games.

The country's football federation president Davor Suker has said Bale could play for Real Madrid at some point in his career such is his ability, and Welsh legend Micky Thomas believes the youngster will be subject to interest from both Barcelona and Madrid.

"I've seen the best," Thomas said. "I've seen Ronaldo; I've seen them all. He's on a par with them now.

"The only difference is they play for Barcelona with players like Messi. He's at Tottenham.

"Let me tell you, he will be at one of those clubs before too long. Those top teams - Barcelona and Real Madrid - will be fighting for his signature, for sure."

Real Madrid Lionel Messi