Welsh whinging has Spurs seething

Spurs were fuming yesterday after Wales assistant Raymond Verheijen appeared to brand them “incompetent amateurs” over Gareth Bale’s handling.

Tottenham’s Welsh superstar Bale, 21, is out of tomorrow’s clash with England at the Millennium Stadium.

A scan confirmed he injured his hamstring last week with Spurs but still played 90 minutes against West Ham, despite feeling tightness in the muscle.

Verheijen seemed to blame Spurs for aggravating the problem as he Tweeted "incompetent amateurs struck again" yesterday when Bale pulled out, although manager Gary Speed later claimed he was pointing the finger at reports the injury happened training for Wales.

Bale is expected to be fit when Tottenham visit Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on April 5. He is remaining in Cardiff to watch the England game with boss Gary Speed naming Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, 20, as Wales' youngest-ever skipper.

But Speed's outspoken Dutch assistant Verheijen overshadowed preparations by infuriating Tottenham.

It would not be the first time Verheijen has slammed a leading Premier League club over their treatment of players.

This year alone, he has accused Manchester United staff of "messing up again", claimed Manchester City don't train their players properly and blasted ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Verheijen also said fellow Dutchman Robin van Persie should have been subbed straight after injuring his knee equalising for Arsenal in the Carling Cup final.

"Amateurs are not exposed, that's why players have to deal with so much incompetence during their career," he has bemoaned previously.

But Spurs spoke to Verjeijen yesterday and he insisted his Tweet was aimed at the media.

It was still a headache for Speed, who said: "It's caused an unnecessary problem but we have talked about it and we've nipped it in the bud, so we can all move on now.

"In no way did it refer to Tottenham. It was a total misunderstanding over Gareth's injury, which is nothing we've done wrong and nothing Spurs have done."

But Bale's absence is also another huge headache for Speed, who has lost his best potential match-winner and most creative talent.

"Yeah, it is a big blow. Any team in the world would miss a Gareth Bale," admitted Speed.

"If we can get individuals like Gareth playing in the team it gives us a better chance, there's no doubt about that.

"I stress it is a disappointment but we move on. If Wales are going to achieve anything the most important thing is the team."

With Bale crocked, Speed acted decisively yesterday by naming Arsenal midfielder Ramsey as captain.

Craig Bellamy asked not to be considered, due to a long-term knee complaint that prevents him playing every game.

And Ramsey beat off competition from defenders James Collins and Ashley Williams for the armband, despite not playing for Wales since November 2009 because of a broken leg.

"He does lead by example on and off the pitch, by the way he trains and everyone looks up to him as well," said Speed.

"His personality on the pitch is something which was very important, he always wants the ball and can make something happen.

"As he does that, the players look up to him and I don't think he will have a problem with the other side of things.

"There's been young captains in the past and it was a no-brainer in the end.

"I think something like that is going to make a person grow and become mentally strong.

"I made the decision what's best for Welsh football to go forward and hopefully it will be the right decision."