Gareth Bale Ready To Play Regularly For Tottenham Hotspur - Harry Redknapp

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp insists that defender Gareth Bale will get a run out on the pitch when Benoit Assou-Ekotto departs for the African Cup of Nations next month.

The Wales international has only been a peripheral part of Spurs' plans this season, making just a handful of appearances. But with the Cameroon international travelling to Angola for a significant amount of time, the cockney gaffer hinted that Bale will be given a chance to stake a claim for the left-back spot.

"He's worked hard, trained well and has been in good form," Redknapp said, according to The Press Association.

"He's beginning to take his game forward. It's just that Benoit's been in great form, so Gareth has been unlucky not to play."

The 20-year-old was previously linked with a move to Serie A, with Juventus and Milan reportedly interested in the services of the player. This in turn led to further speculation that Spurs could be in the market for a full-back. But the former Portsmouth boss insists otherwise.

He added: "I'm not looking for a left-back because you won't get a better one than Gareth Bale. He's an excellent player."

Adithya Ananth, Goal.com UK