Harry Redknapp confident Gareth Bale will be fit to play Manchester United

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has played down concerns over Gareth Bale's hamstring injury and is confident that the Welshman will be fit to play against Manchester United on Sunday.

Bale had to pull out of Wales' friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday after feeling a tightness in his hamstring and reports had suggested he could be out for up to three weeks.

Redknapp denies that is the case, however.

"That's absolutely a million miles wrong," he said when asked about the reports that Bale was set for a long-term lay-off.

"He hasn't even got a tear in his hamstring. It's just a little bit tight but it should be OK. It shouldn't be a problem.

"We will have to wait and see how he is (for the weekend). Hopefully he should be OK."

The news that Bale could be fit is a big boost for Redknapp, who is looking for his team to re-establish their push for Champions League qualification after last week's 5-2 mauling at Arsenal.

Tottenham's players have admitted that the defeat at their bitter local rivals hurt deeply, but their manager is sure that the loss was just a blip in what has otherwise been an excellent season.

"We had a bad weekend last weekend but it was a one-off," Redknapp said of the Arsenal performance.

"Since the first two games of the season we have not really had a bad game, even though we have lost a couple.

"Last week was the first bad day that we have had but it happens. Everybody has those days. All the clubs have had them this year and you have to accept that you will have days like that."

Redknapp will be without Scott Parker for Sunday's game after his dismissal against the Gunners, but the Spurs boss is hopeful of having Ledley King (knee), Rafael van der Vaart (calf) and Kyle Walker (ankle) available despite fitness concerns over the key trio.

"Van der Vaart is hopefully going to train today. He feels a lot better," Redknapp added.

"Ledley is not bad. Hopefully he will come out tomorrow. We will see how he is.

"Kyle Walker is OK. He should be OK. He got a knock (against Arsenal) but he should be fit."

PA