Gareth Bale Provides Update on Fitness Following Second Full Spurs Debut

Gareth Bale has claimed he's still in a 'mini pre-season' after making his first start for Tottenham since re-joining on loan from Real Madrid in the 3-0 win over LASK on Thursday evening.

Having come on as a substitute in the dramatic Premier League draw with West Ham, the Welshman was handed a chance from the start in Spurs' Europa League clash, playing 62 minutes of the comfortable victory.

Bale helped force an own goal in the 27th minute and looked sharp on his return to the starting lineup, saying after the win that he's on the road to full match fitness.

"We know these games are important. We went out there and did a great job. It wasn't our best performance but we were solid and most important is the three points," Bale told BT Sport.

"I am a bit stiff. It is like a mini pre-season for me and I am trying to get minutes into the legs. Hopefully it won't take me long to get back up to full speed and I am enjoying being on the pitch and being back at this amazing club."

Asked what it's like being back at Spurs, where he spent six years with prior to joining Real Madrid, Bale added: "It is amazing. It is a big reason why I play well and why I came back. You want to be loved and appreciated. I will give everything for this shirt.

"This is a great squad that has a lot of depth, hopefully we can use that to our advantage. It is always good to have competition to keep you on your toes.

"I know Jose Mourinho is a winner and wants to win a trophy here. I think the squad deserves a trophy. I am very positive for the season but let's do it step by step. We will fight for it because I think the fans and the club deserve it."

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