Wales manager Chris Coleman believes star player Gareth Bale should follow the example of Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in hardly missing a match for his country.
Bale withdrew from the squad to face the Netherlands in a friendly on Wednesday with a leg muscle injury.
It is not the first time the 24-year-old has pulled out and former Wales manager Terry Yorath on Sunday warned that having Bale available for friendlies will become more difficult.
Coleman himself said earlier in the season that Madrid would pressure Wales not to play Bale in friendlies but, even so, he has said he is confident of avoiding a repeat of what happened to a number of his predecessors in relation to Ryan Giggs.
"A lot was said about Ryan when he missed a lot of friendlies for us but I don't necessarily think that was his fault as there was a lot of pressure from Manchester United for him not to come and play," the Wales boss told Press Association Sport.
"He was the new George Best, a wonderkid, a sensation, and Manchester United wanted to look after him. I think now the game has moved on a bit. Gareth Bale is one of the best players in the world and he is up there with Ronaldo, playing in the same team.
"Look how many caps Ronaldo has got for Portugal -- over 100. He never misses [games]. If it is good enough for Ronaldo it is good enough for anyone. To be fair, in my time 'Baley' has come even when he has been injured because he wants to be around the team and supporting the team.
"We have never had an issue with him because he has already played friendlies for us. He has missed one or two but he has also played one or two."
Coleman admits there is a balancing act to be done with Bale, who has won 47 caps, as what he does not want to do is alienate Real Madrid in the longer-term by over-working one of their prized assets.
"There are a lot of games for top-level players who are playing league, cup, Champions League and international games," he added. "Now and again they do need the rest but it is more the mental than the physical.
"I hope it doesn't come to the stage where we don't get Gareth for any friendlies. It is not something I have envisaged really. I hope he is the same in the future as he has been in the past.
"When he comes with us generally in friendlies he may play 45 minutes to an hour but we are mindful of sending him back in good condition, like all our players. If you take advantage and send players back who can't play at the weekend the next time you go calling, their managers are like: 'Well, you can't play them.' I've been there myself. We have a duty of care."
Coleman stressed he was not just singling out Bale as he expected all his players to be available for every game where possible but such is the Madrid player's profile the focus inevitably falls on him.
He added: "The gauntlet is thrown down to our lads to say: 'Who is going to be the one to top 100 caps?' If you look at the Serbians and Croatians and even England -- Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole are up there with 100-plus caps.
"You do that by putting yourself up for all the games, not just the nice juicy ones worth three points. If you represent your country you represent your country and it is a huge honour to do that.
"Portugal have been playing tournament football and we want to do that but to play tournament football you sacrifice your summer and it is a small sacrifice. You can have as many holidays when you retire as you like but your best days are your playing days, playing for your country is the best experience in my opinion."
Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen will captain the side for the first time against the Netherlands.