Tottenham's Gareth Bale can unlock Real Madrid says Harry Redknapp

04 April 2011 12:34
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes the timely return of flying winger Gareth Bale could make all the difference against Real Madrid.[LNB]Bale has been struggling with a hamstring injury but has proved his fitness in training and is set to start in the Champions League quarter-final at the Bernabeu.[LNB]And Redknapp can't wait to unleash the Welshman against Jose Mourinho's side.[LNB] Hail Bale! Gareth Bale has been in stunning form for Tottenham this season[LNB]'Gareth was probably the best player in the Premier League [before he got injured],' Redknapp told talkSPORT. [LNB]'He was absolutely tearing everybody to pieces, whether it was in Europe with Inter Milan or whether it was in the league, and suddenly we lost him and we lost a massive threat out of our team.[LNB]'We need him back fit and if he can play well and have a run between now and the end of the season he can make a massive difference to us.[LNB]'He's a great athlete. I watched him run on Friday morning and they said he can only work to 70 per cent. Well he was absolutely flying. He looked like Carl Lewis. He's a real athlete, a fantastic sprinter, so hopefully he will be OK and back to his best.'[LNB] Race against time: Niko Kranjcar (left) and William Gallas (right) are major doubts for Tottenham[LNB]Redknapp also revealed he may only name six substitutes for tomorrow's game, with Steven Pieenar the latest to be ruled out and William Gallas and Niko Kranjcar both major doubts.[LNB]He added: 'It's touch and go with William Gallas, he's travelling with us, we've just got to see how he is tonight when we train. Steven Pieenar did a groin, he's not even travelling, and Niko Kranjcar came on the field for eight minutes on Sturday and kicked the bottom of someone's boot. His foot is badly swollen and bruised so he's struggling.[LNB]'In all honesty we've got six subs for the bench. I think we might have to be one light on the bench, it's a crazy situation.'[LNB] Daring to dream: Harry Redknapp and Tottenham have embarked on an amazing Champions League journey[LNB]Redknapp also admitted Spurs face a huge battle to qualify for next year's competition after a goalless draw at Wigan left them trailing fourth-placed Manchester City by five points.[LNB]He added: 'It will be nice to try and finish fourth but it's not easy. If you look at the league, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United, Man City - it's not easy finishing in the top four.[LNB]'We finished a couple of points in front of Man City last year and they have gone out and spent ?140million to try and finish above us this year.'[LNB]  European giants on alert as Spurs star Bale admits he could be tempted by move abroadMadrid are the Real deal: Redknapp admits Spurs are 'massive underdogs' Jose's general Carvalho is well read on what to expect of TottenhamAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion [LNB]  Explore more:People: Carl Lewis, William Gallas, Gareth Bale, Harry Redknapp, Jose Mourinho, Niko Kranjcar Places: Madrid, Europe

Source: Daily_Mail