Gareth Bale Not Guaranteed First Team Football at Real Madrid

Gareth Bale's world record transfer fee does not guarantee him a starting berth in Real Madrid's XI, according to the club's assistant coach Paul Clement.

The La Liga giants unveiled their marquee summer signing in a typically glamorous presentation at the Bernabeu on Monday after finally concluding their protracted move for the Welshman that cost the club a fee of £86m, eclipsing the previous record of £80m set by Cristiano Ronaldo's move from Manchester United to the Spanish capital in 2009.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star signed a six year contract with the club in becoming the most expensive player in football history, but that revered tag will not necessary ensure him a starting role in Carlo Ancelotti's first team plans.

"There's a lot of competition for places - no one will be guaranteed anything," Clement told BBC Sport.

"Coach Carlo Ancelotti has a clear idea how to use him but things can change."

Despite the departures of Mesul Ozil and Kaka to Arsenal and AC Milan respectively, Real Madrid are still blessed with a plethora of attacking options. With Angel Di Maria and Isco also heavily in the equation, questions immediately asked of Ancelotti concern how he will deploy both Bale and Ronaldo in the same XI, and who will play furthest forward.

Clement added: "Carlo is flexible enough to use Gareth and other players in different capacities.

"At Southampton, Bale played at left back which he also did at Spurs where he became a more left-sided player.

"He recently became more central. He's got that versatility.

"It will be interesting to see how players fit in together. We'll be trying to find their best position and what's best for the team as quickly as possible.

"Gareth has the goal scoring talent and ability to set up goals for others."

Bale could make his debut following the international break when Real Madrid travel to Villarreal on Saturday 14 September. But for now, the forward has re-joined the Wales squad for their World Cup qualifiers away to Macedonia on Friday evening and back in Cardiff against Serbia the following Tuesday.

Clement hinted that the Welshman's participation on the international stage could dictate whether he makes his La Liga bow in Real's next league game.

"Depending on how much or little he plays will depend whether he trains a week on Wednesday or Thursday leading into the first game at Villarreal away."