Source: Eurosport
Bale aims to prove worth to Redknapp
Welsh youngster Gareth Bale has learned some harsh realities of life in the big time as Tottenham have endured a traumatic season.The 19-year-old was hailed as the new golden boy of Welsh football when he moved to White Hart Lane almost two years ago from Southampton,He was already a full international, making his debut as a 16-year-old just days before the move, but since then things have not gone as planned.First he was out for almost a year with a knee injury, and in the past few weeks he has been dumped from the first team by boss Harry Redknapp.Bale comes into Wales' two World Cup qualifiers having played just two senior games in a month, one of thoseas a substitute in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.And Redknapp has more than once publicly criticised the Cardiff-born youngster as Spurs struggled to pull away from the relegation zone.Now the teenager is out to grab the chance of playing big matches again and is a certain starter against Finland on Saturday and Germany next Wednesday in Group Four qualifiers at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.He said: "The manager at Spurs has gone for experience because of the problems we were having so I must wait for my chance when it comes round again."I aim to show him that I am still worth a place in the side. If I can do well in these two internationals that may underline to him what I can do."I have been working with our coach Kevin Bond on defensive things, they review the videos of what has happened and all that helps me to get to grips with things."The manager showed confidence to bring me on in the Carling Cup final, it was a vital time in the game. When I play now I aim to take the chance to prove I should be back in the team."Bale admits he has to improve certain aspects of his game to win over Redknapp.He added: "I need to work on my defensive side and then hope that when Spurs are out of the relegation problem, I will get a few more first-team games."I am maturing all the time, I learn from every experience I have in the Premier League. There is still a long way to go, but I aim to improve all round."I have had a few reserve games at Spurs, I feel fit and sharp and I do not think the lack of first-team games will be a problem for me."I am young and willing to work and run and I am looking forward to these two games. Maybe the lack of games at Spurs will mean that I am fitter and hungrier."I love going forward and attacking but I know I have to work on my defensive work. I am doing that now in training at Spurs."However, when I am with Wales, the boss (John Toshack) wants me to attack more, to get down the flanks. There is more license to do that, and it is my natural game."As a left wing-back, I love to get forward. But I know the rest of my game must improve."Bale will win his 18th cap against Finland on Saturday and is very aware of the importance of the match.He said: "It is massive, we know we have to win. If we win on Saturday we still have a chance of qualifying. It is not all over if we lose, but it will have become very difficult with Germany to play next week."[LNB]
