Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admits he is surprised that Gareth Bale has not done more since returning to Spurs.
Redknapp managed Bale at Tottenham during his time as Spurs boss, with the Welshman going on to star for the north London club before joining Real Madrid.
He returned to Spurs on loan this summer, but has only played eight times for Jose Mourinho's side, with two goals so far - one in the Premier League and one in the Europa League.
But Redknapp has admitted that he expected more from the 31-year-old on his return to north London.
Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of the North London derby against Arsenal, Redknapp said: “I expected him to hit the ground running a bit more to be honest. When he came in, I thought he could really. But they have had results without him anyway.”
However, Spurs are faring well without Bale firing on all cylinders, with Mourinho's men sitting top of the table ahead of the clash with their north London rivals.
And Redknapp admits that the form of others, including Son Heung-min and Harry Kane, means that Bale will have to bide his time and make the most of his opportunities when they come along.
“He has just got to be patient," Redknapp added.
"He has to keep getting himself fitter and try to get a regular place in the team.”
