HODDLE: GARETH WILL FIRE SPURS AND LIFT HARRY

GLENN HODDLE has warned Tottenham fans not to expect the same Gareth Bale from first time around at White Hart Lane. But Spurs legend Hoddle says returning star Bale can still be a sensation in his second spell at the club – if the club’s medical team can make sure they get him on the pitch often enough.

Spurs fans are drooling at the prospect of Bale lining up alongside Harry Kane and Heung-min Son after his year-long loan switch from Real Madrid.

But while BT pundit Hoddle is excited at Bale’s return, he believes it will only be a success if the player – struggling with a minor injury picked up playing for Wales recently – is fit and firing regularly.

Hoddle said: “I think we will see a different Gareth Bale. Tottenham fans can’t expect the same Bale, going from box to box with the ball, beating four, five players.

“It’s a really positive move but he’s not going to be flying like he was when he left Spurs and in his heyday at Real Madrid.

“He’s going to be more experienced and he knows his body a bit more. You’ll see somebody that is more of a purveyor of the ball than running with it.

“He’s got that creativity about him and that’s what

Spurs need. Since the 1950s and ‘60s they’ve always had players like Gazza and David Ginola – the type of that will have you off your seat.

“By the end of his time at

SPUR-FECT RETURN: Gareth Bale is back at Tottenham

Tottenham, Bale was doing that on a consistent level. Going back is maybe a slight risk, but that’s not the reason to turn it down, is it?

“But Jose Mourinho and his medical team must keep him fit. If he was a car the mileage in the last few years is well below the average so the car is in good nick.

“The problem is – is the engine okay? I’m not worried about what he does on the pitch because I think he’ll be sensational but I think it’s about the engine. In the last two years he’s not like your average 31-year-old in that he hasn’t been battered with 44 games a season. so I think he suits the way Spurs are going to set up.”

Hoddle also believes Bale’s arrival will take the heat off skipper Harry Kane. He said: “He’ll take the focus away from Kane. He won’t say ‘I will score as many goals as Kane’ but will create chances for Harry, easing the pressure off him and actually opening the door for other players.

“Hopefully, if we get enough football out of him, it will turn into silverware for Spurs as well.’’

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