QPR manager Harry Redknapp has released a new book in which he explains how his tough love aided Gareth Bale's development at Tottenham.

But he has also urged Bale not to be "timid" in his relationship with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, now they are team-mates at the Santiago Bernabeu. He also warns that Madrid could become a very "lonely place" if Ronaldo feels threatened by Bale's presence and uses his influence against the Welshman.

"Ronaldo is a huge star at Madrid and will probably want to take nine out of 10 free-kicks," says Redknapp.

"Gareth will have to assert himself and that will require a strong mind. He has to think ‘I’m an £86million player’ and act like it.

"He will have to be ready for the matches when he goes it alone, has a shot, misses and Ronaldo starts throwing his arms up in the air. He cannot, at that point, go into his shell and become this timid little creature. But it is not natural for Gareth to behave in an assertive way. Don’t get me wrong, he knows he is good."

The start of Bale's Real career has been hampered by niggling injuries although he did find the net on his La Liga debut against Villareal.