Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes has claimed that his side can work as a unit to withstand the threat of Gareth Bale in Saturday's Euro 2016 game against Wales.

Real Madrid forward Bale scored three times as the Dragons topped Group B ahead of England to set up a meeting with Michael O'Neill's side.

Hughes told BBC Sport: "The great thing about this tournament is you get to play against the top players. On form, Gareth Bale is arguably the best player here.

"A player of Bale's calibre is important, But you cannot stop one player on a man-to-man basis. The whole shape of the team has to be right and it takes a big effort from everyone."

Northern Ireland have not conceded more than a single goal in any of their last 16 games.