Gareth Bale knows he needs to improve his game if he is to win over Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.
The Wales fullback said: "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."