Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has thrown down the gauntlet to fullback Gareth Bale.

Bale has struggled to impose himself since moving to Tottenham from Southampton two-and-a-half years ago but now has a chance with Assou-Ekotto out for up to a month with a groin injury.

Redknapp said: "Gareth has the potential to be a great player. He's trained hard, worked hard and his attitude has been fantastic.

"It's up to him now to have a good run and show everybody what he can do.

"People forget he's young and still learning the game but he is a great size, a terrific athlete with a great left foot, and a good lad. So I'm sure he's going to do well."