Bale ready for new season

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale has insisted he is ready for the coming campaign following the clubs return from South Africa.

The Wales international saw a set of niggling injuries hinder his performances in the latter half of last season while an ankle injury saw his season come to a pre-mature end.

His performances prior to Christman saw the PFA Player of the Year linked with a move away from White Hart Lane while often being compared to Barcelona's Lionel Messi due to his impact on the left-wing.

The 22-year-old impressed once again during Spurs' pre-season tour and set up a goal in the 3-0 over Orlando Pirates on Saturday and Bale insists he is raring to go for the new season.

"I've got back from my ankle injury and don't feel anything at all," Bale said in the Daily Star.

"I feel good, the whole team feels good and I think that shows.

"I don't think we played to our best in the first two matches, but we showed what a good team we are in the final and showed the South African fans what we're all about."

The Spurs winger believes the team have benefited from some tough games during their outings against Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and, even though they want to win every game, fitness is the most important benefactor during pre-season.

"We want to win every game but the important thing is fitness. The matches were a real test," he added.