Tottenham Hotspur and Wales international winger Gareth Bale believes that everyone is going through a "hard time" since learning of the sudden death of Gary Speed.

The 22-year-old, who played under the late Wales manager, believes that he and his national teammates will continue to improve in "honour" of the ex-Newcastle United midfielder.

"It was a massive shock, I don't think anybody ever thought anything like this would happen," Bale told Tottenham's official website. "Everyone is devastated and it is a massive loss to everyone in football.

"It is a tragedy, everyone still can't get their head around it and all our condolences go out to his family and his kids. It is a hard time.

"We were on the up, he changed the way we play and the whole mentality of our game. It is a massive loss, but we will try and carry on the best we can in his honour."

Speed, 42, was found hanged in his home in Cheshire yesterday morning.