KEY POINTS:
For someone who is not too fussed about getting on a plane, Chris Bale has clocked up a few air miles this year.
It helps that this week's trip to Japan for tonight's Fifa Club World Cup clash with Iranian giants Sepahan was in business class. "Flying up there certainly helped," said Bale from Tokyo yesterday. "Once we were off the ground - the worst part - I managed to get my head down. It was the first time I had flown at the 'pointy end' and it was a lot more relaxing."
Before his long haul to Japan, Bale had had the even bigger flight from England to New Zealand earlier this year as the next stop on his footballing journey which started as a youngster in his native Wales.
Now he pinches himself in preparing for the biggest challenge of his career.
"Not so long ago I was quietly going about my business, living in Wales and playing my football in England," said Bale, 25. "My parents moved out [to New Zealand] 12 months ago, I followed and with a bit of luck found myself at Waitakere United, and now here [in Japan]. I've enjoyed every minute.
A midfielder of some ability - especially when he lets fly with long-range attempts on goal (which have led to two goals in NZFC matches already this season) - Bale is certain to play a key role tonight.
"If I see the opportunity to shoot, I'll shoot. In that regard I don't really care what the coach's instructions might have been. Last season [at Tiverton Town] I was the top scorer [with 16] playing in midfield," said Bale, who reckons the standard of his football last season - at a level below the Conference League - is similar to the NZFC.
"The football in England was a lot more physical and you don't get the same amount of time on the ball."
One big difference though is the amount of football he is now playing.
"Towards the end of last season I played 14 games in 29 days as we caught up on the fixtures that had been cancelled in the worst of the weather. In total I played 67 games last year."
Bale has taken a little time to settle but is now seen as a key component in the Waitakere midfield. He has no regrets about taking his footballing career halfway around the world.
"I explored a few options back home to turn professional. Swansea was one option but they let me down at the last minute. Then on the eve of going to New Zealand, Barnet offered me terms but by then I was committed to going to New Zealand," he said.
"I'm glad I did. I've settled quickly, have a good job and a great football club. Life is good. I'm enjoying it immensely." The crowd for tonight's game - a minimum 15,000 (and hopefully a lot more) - will be a far cry from the biggest Bale has played in front of - about 3000.
"Crowds don't affect me too much and to be honest I haven't thought about it much ahead of this game. I've just had my head down thinking about my job and making sure I don't let the lads down. I want to do my best to enjoy the occasion."
His combination with Paul Seaman in midfield will be a key part of Waitakere's game plan.
"Paul and I have a pretty good combination developing. Both of us are hard-working players so I don't think we will have any problems with the atmosphere or opposition," said Bale.
"They are clearly a good side but we must concentrate on doing what what we can do well and getting to them on the counter-attack. We are determined to do well and if we can, pinch a result.
"I know one thing for sure; I'm not ready to head back home to go to work on Monday morning just yet, so we will see what Friday night brings."
