Gareth Bale was always going to be ‘project’ at Tottenham, says Joe Hart

Winger completed his first full 90 minutes of the season against Wycombe, scoring the equaliser

(Getty Images)

Joe Hart has hailed Gareth Bale’s off-the-pitch contributions at Tottenham, guaranteeing fans there is more to come from the winger on the turf.

Bale has failed to make a significant impact since returning to the club on loan from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, with injury and illness limiting the Wales captain’s appearances, but he played his first full 90 minutes of the season and scored as Tottenham defeated Wycombe 4-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Monday.

The knockout clash marked Bale’s first outing for Spurs since 23 December and the 31-year-old equalised against the Championship side on the stroke of half-time, though could have taken home the match ball had he been less wasteful in front of goal.

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Bale’s return to fitness could be timely for Spurs as they face a packed fixture list, challenging on all four fronts. And as they aim to end their trophy drought, goalkeeper Hart says the forward’s experience in the dressing room will be important.

“We always knew it was going to be a project with him and he fully understands that,” Hart said of Bale’s difficult first half of the season.

“He’s here to help the team win and he’s demonstrated that on the pitch at Wycombe and on a few other occasions.

“He’s also doing it behind the scenes. Gaz has obviously had his injuries, but he knows how to look after himself and when he’s fit he’s going to help our team.

“He’s been there and done it. For a club trying to do things, I think it’s important to have guys that have been there and won and can reference what it takes. We talk about it a lot, but we’re a team that wants to win. There’s two teams winning a lot – Man City and Liverpool – and there’s seven or eight of us trying to win.

“So we’ve got to find different ways of winning.”

Bale netted the equaliser against Wycombe (Getty)

Spurs needed three goals in the final five minutes to see off a plucky Wycombe side playing their first game since a Covid outbreak.

A Harry Winks finish and two from Tanguy Ndombele got Spurs over the line and ensured they avoided extra-time, which was important considering they play Liverpool on Thursday night.

That is a vital game for the title challenges of both clubs, coming six weeks after the reverse fixture, and Hart knows it can go either way.

“We feel the same as we did going into that last game,” he said. “How the 90 minutes plays out depends on two quality teams against each other.

“We know we can win it and they know they can win it.”

PA