With the new season fast approaching, the Tottenham winger is looking ahead to the first encounter of the campaign against tough opposition, despite Spurs lacking a manager
Gareth Bale has admitted that Tottenham's opening encounter of the new season against Newcastle United is a tough one, but insists he is ready to rise to the challenge.Spurs, who narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification last season, are without a manager since the dismissal of Harry Redknapp eight days ago, but despite the uncertainty currently surrounding the vacant manager's position at White Hart Lane, Bale is only concerning himself with on-the-pitch matters.
"It's important to get off to a good start," he told the club's official website.
"It will be difficult, especially away from home, but it's a good early test for us."
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FLYING START? |
| 6/1 | Tottenham are 11/1 to beat Newcastle 2-0 on the opening day of the Premier League season. |
The Welsh winger was also quick to recognise the qualities of Alan Pardew's side, who surpassed expectations last season with a fifth-place finish.
He added: "Newcastle had a fine season. No-one really expected them to be right up there and maintain it throughout the season.
"They all worked hard, they worked together and that counts a lot in football," he continued. "They've some great players and it will be a case of keeping those players quiet and trying to impose our game plan."
