Bale may be fit for Milan return

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is hopeful that Gareth Bale may return from injury for the Champions League return tie against AC Milan.

Bale missed Spurs' 1-0 victory in the round of 16 first leg tie at the San Siro on Tuesday due to a back injury, but Redknapp appears confident that the Wales star will be fit for the second leg at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, March 9.

Redknapp, speaking at the re-staged Newbury race meeting, told Press Association Sport: "I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully we'll have Bale back, and him and (Aaron) Lennon have got such pace."

Peter Crouch's goal gives Spurs the edge going into the return but Redknapp knows it will not be easy to book a quarter-final spot.

"I'm sure they will come back at us," he warned, "but it was a fantastic night."

Spurs will not have to face Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, who faces UEFA disciplinary action for a headbutt on Spurs coach Joe Jordan at the end of the first leg and picked up a booking during the match that ruled him out of the return leg.