Gareth Bale slammed by Spanish press for playing for Wales despite missing Real Madrid’s last 13 games through injury

after last night's win, Bale said: "I've been out for two months so if we were up the plan was to come off and be ready for Tuesday.

"It was always the plan to play 45 minutes."

Bale was withdrawn at half-time, meaning he did not get the chance to soak up the adoration of the Wales fans on his landmark appearance until full-time.

He said: "As much as I would have loved to have come off to an ovation you can only have five substitutions, and the team is the important thing.

To have my 100th cap at home with [the fans] cheering my name made it very special and a day I'll never forget

Gareth Bale on Sky Sports

"I enjoyed the occasion, and I'm pleased to be back. It was a hard road back from injury."

The win strengthened Wales' position in second in Group E, five points behind Belgium in first and three points ahead of Czech Republic in second.

Rob Page's men are guaranteed a play-off place to qualify for next year's World Cup after winning their Nations League group last year.

But to get a home draw, they will need to finish second in their group, which they can guarantee with a draw at home to Belgium on Tuesday.

Czech Republic face Estonia on Tuesday and will be expected to win, which would put them level on points with Wales if they lose to Belgium.

If Wales and the Czech Republic finish on the same points, second place will be decided on goal difference, meaning every goal counts.

Bale added: "From the first whistle we knew we had to be on it - it could come down to goal difference, and it was a great performance and we're delighted.

"We've got the best fans in the world. To have my 100th cap at home with them cheering my name made it very special and a day I'll never forget."

⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals