Gareth Bale lets his hair down as Wales prepare for Nations League matches - in pictures

Gareth Bale let his har down in training on Wednesday - literally. The Real Madrid forward - who has sported a "man bun" for years - was pictured giving his locks some air time at Wales' training base at The Vale, Hensol, as they prepare for upcoming Nations League assignments. Wales face Finland in Helsinki on Thursday before taking on Bulgaria in Cardiff on Sunday in Group H. Bale looked a much happier figure under the watchful eye of national team manager Ryan Giggs and surrounded by his Welsh national teammates than he did for long spells in Madrid last season. The 31-year-old cut a forlorn figure in the stands during Madrid's La Liga run in as Zinedine Zidane's side secured the title. The former Tottenham Hotspur player hasn't played since June and has only been involved in two football matches since February. Bale will be looking to extend his goalscoring record for Wales this upcoming campaign. The former Southampton star has netted 33 times in 88 matches. To view all the photos from Wales' most recent training session, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

Gareth Bale lets his hair down as Wales prepare for Nations League matches - in pictures

Wales takes on Finland on Thursday followed by Bulgaria on Sunday