Jol hopes Routledge can find right route at Spurs

Routledge is back in the Spurs camp after spending all last season on loan with Fulham.

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Well done lad: Routledge, Bent and Defoe

The former Crystal Palace star was shipped out because of the emergence of Aaron Lennon at White Hart Lane.

But England winger Lennon is out of action through injury for the next month and Routledge has the chance to shine at last.

Jol declared: "I am pleased Wayne is here because Aaron is out for the next three or four weeks.

"I am pleased Wayne came back because he wants to play. Hopefully, he now realises the grass is not always greener and sees that now.

"He is almost as big a talent as Aaron. I told him he's got the quality and sharpness and with him it is only a matter of self-confidence. If he can get that, he will be a very good player."

Meanwhile Jol has earmarked midfielder Jermaine Jenas as one of the pivotal members of his first-team squad for the coming season.

The Dutchman was full of praise for Jenas' efforts last season as Spurs went on to finish in fifth place for the second successive season.

Jol declared: "He was injured but came back and was better than before. He scored six goals, eight in all competitions I think. You have to be a very good player to do that.

"Jermaine is doing very well but there is more to come. He was dictating our rhythm and when he is not playing well, there is no rhythm. So he is very important to the side."

Meanwhile Wales international Gareth Bale, who joined the club from Southampton for an undisclosed fee in the summer, has revealed how playing for England never crossed his mind.

Bale, like his Wales international team-mate and boyhood idol Ryan Giggs, could have opted to play for England because his grandmother is English.

But Bale insisted there was never any doubt in his mind about his national allegiance.

He said: "It is an honour to play for Wales. I could have played for England because my grandmother is English.

"She never tried to put any pressure on me though. Nobody ever got in touch with me personally from England, only through my agent.

Back in the fold: Wayne Routledge

"But I wanted to play for Wales and my hero as a kid was Ryan. I play on the left as well so I have tried to take certain elements from his game and adapt them into mine.

"I have never played against him before so I am looking forward to that this season."

Bale was linked with Manchester United in the summer but made it clear that Tottenham was his preferred choice.

"This club has a lot of potential and young players," he added: "They showed a lot of interest in me and I wanted to come here. Now I just want to concentrate on my football and try and get a regular place in the side."