Friday 8 February 2013 09:15, UK
Andre Villas-Boas admits Tottenham are fortunate to have Gareth Bale and his future could depend on a top-four finish.
Villas-Boas has recently deployed the Welshman in a more central role, either as a No 10 in the hole or as an out-and-out striker, drawing comparisons with Real Madrid star Ronaldo. Having started on the flanks, Ronaldo now operates as a centre-forward and Villas-Boas thinks all the signs are pointing towards the idea that Bale could end up doing the same. "You can see similarities in each of the players," said the Spurs manager. "Both of them are extremely technical players, and extremely powerful and pacy. "It's funny to see how both players compare. They grew up as strikers, but became wingers. "Ronaldo is now 28, and has achieved so much in his career. He is an example to Gareth as to what he can achieve." Bale may be joined up front against Newcastle on Saturday by Emmanuel Adebayor. Adebayor has been on Togo duty at the African Nations Cup for almost a month but despite a striker shortage, Tottenham say they are happy for the 28-year-old to return to training on Friday afternoon - less than 24 hours before the game against the Magpies. Villas-Boas was reluctant to comment on Adebayor's whereabouts on Thursday. He would only say that the striker was "in Africa" to "take care" of some "issues". Given that Jermain Defoe is out for up to three weeks with an ankle injury, the Spurs boss is hopeful that the Togolese will be passed fit. "It's not a big ask for him to play on Saturday," the 35-year-old said. "He is in good form and you have to allow the player to rest and recover. If he is ready physically we will select him. "It's always difficult with the trips from extreme heat to cold. He will not be 100 per cent, but he's still a player that can make a difference." You can only watch the best Barclays Premier League coverage here on Sky Sports. Watch Spurs v Newcastle exclusively live on Sky Sports 2HD, 3D and Sky Go from 12noon on Saturday 9th February. Click here for more details