No kick qualms for Bale

Gareth Bale has insisted he has no problem about getting battered and bruised by some of his Premier League counterparts, as long the offenders are punished by the referees.

Liverpool's Martin Skrtel and Steve Gohouri of Wigan have both received their marching orders for scything down the Tottenham winger in recent weeks with his ability proving too much for the defensive duo.

Harry Redknapp has urged Premier League officials to crack down on those looking to harshly bring down the Welshman.

But, Bale has insisted he is willing to take the knocks as long as it leads to Spurs obtaining maximum points over the season.

"It's not nice but I suppose it's a compliment when you're playing well and people want to drag you down," he told Spurs TV Online.

"There have been two sent off in the last two games, so they can keep kicking me if they want as long as they get sent off."

The former Southampton trainee has since improved his all-round game and his headed goal against Wigan at the weekend is a testament to his new-found ability in the air.

"We've been speaking about making runs from corners," he added.

"It's always good to get your head on it and get a goal. I've scored a few goals in the air now.

"Hopefully I can score a lot more, on the floor and in the air."