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George Burley says his early judgement has been proved right – Gareth Bale is a better player than Theo Walcott.

The former Southampton boss gave Bale his first-team debut at St Mary’s just three months after Walcott was sold to Arsenal.

And he believes staying longer on the South Coast than the England winger has been a key to the Welshman’s ascent to superstar status since joining Spurs.

The two youngest players ever to represent the Saints, now both 23, go head to head in the North London derby on Sunday.

But former Scotland boss Burley always believed it was Bale who had more potential.

And after scoring nine goals in his last seven games for club and country – including the stunning winner at Upton Park on Monday – Burley said the Tottenham star is the teenage prodigy who is now a worldbeater.

(Image: Getty)

“I always thought Gareth was the better prospect,” he said. “Theo had different attributes. Gareth was more the package in terms of that quality on the ball.

“Theo left Southampton when he was 16. That was in the very early stages of his career and he didn’t have that many games under his belt, while Gareth had two seasons.

“I think that has shown as Gareth has developed into a better player. I think in those early years, any player is building up.

"If you can get those two seasons under your belt at least, then when you move to a big club, you have certainly got a much better chance.

“I look back at Richard Wright and Darren Ambrose who maybe left Ipswich a bit early. It is like any other job – you have to serve your apprenticeship.

“There are not many players like Wayne Rooney who are Premier League regulars at the age of 16 or 17.

“If you can get that good upbringing in terms of regular games in the Championship and league football, it puts you in great stead when you move into the Premier League.”

Burley gave Bale his debut in April 2006 as a 16-year-old.

“For two years he played every game,” he recalled. "He had fantastic ability with a magical left foot.

“Of course, at that time he was a left-back. Even there, he was amazing.

"Teams used to mark him at left-back in the Championship because he used to dictate the game from that position.”

Burley had even wanted Bale to stay for another season in the Championship before stepping up a level.

And while Arsenal scouted him, Manchester United declined to invest up to the £12million fee they paid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

(Image: Getty)

“There were a number of clubs chasing Gareth,” Burley continued.

“Me and the chairman had a meeting with Sir Alex and their chief executive about going there but I felt that Gareth was as good as Theo or even better so we weren’t going to accept less money.

“He is a player who had that quality. I had every faith in Gareth. I knew how good he was and we weren’t going to let him go for what was offered.

“I felt it was a little bit of a gamble to move when he left.

"And there is no doubt that the first six months he struggled a bit at Tottenham, but his character shone through and even now all he talks about is keeping improving.

“It is fantastic to see that attitude from a youngster even when people are already talking about him being world class.

“He was always great at free-kicks and he has changed his style.

"He has always bent it up and over and now he hits it with top spin rather than bend. It is unusual for someone with that quality in his game.

“From day one he was always exciting.He wanted to listen, wanted to learn.

“He is stronger now and he is quicker and he is good in the air as well. Free-kicks, corners, great left foot with energy and pace.

"They are not bad qualities to have in your locker.”

Walcott recently agreed a new deal to stay at Arsenal but Bale could face a dilemma over his future this summer if the European giants come calling.

(Image: Clive Rose)

“That will be up to Gareth,” said the former Ipswich, Hearts and Crystal Palace boss.

“He is loving his football. He is progressing. He is getting better. The world is at his feet.

"He is a level-headed lad and he has got a smashing family behind him.

"I am sure Gareth will make the decision that is right for his future.”

More immediately the Scot, who left his last job in Cyprus last year, sees Bale again being key at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

“Somebody with that quality wins games and Tottenham have got it with Gareth,” he added.

“You need someone who puts the ball in the net and maybe, at the moment, Spurs look the more likely for that.”

Even the West Ham players were queueing up to praise Bale after his 90th-minute strike at Upton Park.

Gary O’Neil said: “I think Gareth Bale is up there with how Cristiano Ronaldo was when he was playing in England.”

Joe Cole added: “You can’t do anything about the winner from Gareth Bale, it was world class.”