Tottenham winger Gareth Bale admits toughening up has been the making of him.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has said the youngster was too soft when he first joined the club from Southampton - and at one time he ordered his physio to ignore Bale if he complained of minor problems.
Now his staff are working round the clock to make sure their potential match winner is fit for the season's climax.
Bale said: "I suppose I am tougher both physically and mentally, but it is just a part of growing up, really. I was 17 when I joined Tottenham, and moving to London at that age is difficult.
"You just grow up and mature naturally so it was always just a matter of time and I hope that is showing on the pitch now."
