Tottenham defender Michael Dawson has defended Gareth Bale after his goal scoring performance in victory at New York Red Bulls.

Bale played 74 minutes and scored as Spurs beat New York Red Bulls 2-1 here in the USA yesterday.

His sensational showing came just 72 hours after he left the friendly against Liverpool in Baltimore in a protective boot following Charlie Adam's X-rated challenge.

Spurs skipper Dawson said: "There is no way Gareth was faking it.

"If you saw his ankle you would see it was badly bruised."