Bale sets sights on semi-finals

14 March 2012 17:47

Gareth Bale is confident Tottenham can put their Barclays Premier League slump behind them when they face Bolton in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final.

Third-placed Spurs have thrown away what looked set to be a 13-point lead over Arsenal since last month's north London derby and go into this weekend's cup tie just one point ahead of their arch-rivals but star winger Bale believes sealing a place in a Wembley semi-final would be just the tonic to three successive league defeats.

"It's a massive game for us," Bale told www.thefa.com. "We know our league form hasn't been great of late, but the FA Cup is a different competition and, being at home, we've got a great chance to get to the semi-finals."

He added: "We know it's not going to be an easy game. It's going to be hard work - it's a cup tie.

"We'll just go out there, give it 100%, play our best football and hopefully we can be in the semi-final."

Spurs have enjoyed the luck of the draw this season, having faced Cheltenham, Watford and Stevenage, with Bolton their first Premier League opponents.

Bale said: "The teams we've come up against have made it difficult for us.

"We've got through on merit at the end of the day, and to play Bolton will be a difficult test, and one we're ready for.

"Any silverware is important and the FA Cup is a massive trophy in England and something we want to do well in."

Source: PA