Spurs get double fillip
TOTTENHAM have received a major boost ahead of tomorrow’s huge Champions League contest with AC Milan after manager Harry Redknapp revealed both Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart are likely to be fit to play.
Winger Bale returned from a six-week absence with a back injury in Sunday’s 3-3 draw at Wolves, while forward Van der Vaart is nearing full fitness as he recovers from a calf problem.
And Redknapp is planning to unleash both of them as he looks to take the fight to the Serie A leaders, despite holding a 1-0 advantage and a precious away goal from the first leg in Italy.
“I think we’ve got enough to hurt Milan at home. We’ll be positive. We will play an attacking team. We’ll play [Aaron] Lennon and probably Gareth Bale and have a go,” said Redknapp.
“Peter Crouch has had a great European campaign as well. And Van der Vaart has a good chance for Wednesday, I hope he will be fit.”
Van der Vaart, the club’s top scorer with 12 goals, has formed a fruitful partnership with Crouch, although Jermain Defoe finally rediscovered his scoring touch with a brace at Wolves.
Milan fear Crouch threat
AC MILAN star Robinho has identified Peter Crouch as the chief threat to his side’s chances of beating Tottenham and claiming a place in the last eight of the Champions League.
Crouch scored the winner at the San Siro in the first leg and former Manchester City forward Robinho said: “They play in a different way, focusing on physical strength, plenty of crosses into the box – especially because they have a very tall player in Peter Crouch,” he said.