Bale wants derby win

Gareth Bale has urged his team-mates to come out all guns blazing when Tottenham host Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Welsh winger, who is expected to sit out the tie against the Irish side, believes victory will provide them with the perfect platform for victory against Arsenal on Sunday's North London derby, especially with the international break looming. 

"It's a massive game, even for the fans," he said.

"We need to keep looking to win, get on a run, keep looking up the table.

"Hopefully, we can post a good win going into the international break."

Rafael Van der Vaart has echoed Bale's sentiments and, after being left out of Spurs' Europa League squad, looks certain to start against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Dutchman has highlighted the importance of the weekend's clash with the Gunners, proclaiming: "Sunday's a big game coming up.

"For the fans, for everybody, it's the biggest game of the year. So let's beat them."