Jol predicts big things for Bale

Gareth Bale has been tipped to emulate countryman Ryan Giggs on the wing but Tottenham boss Martin Jol feels the Wales youngster will eventually settle at left-back.

Jol has been impressed after testing Bale as a midfielder, and he believes the 18-year-old is learning the responsibilities of being a defender after he was given a chance at left-back against Middlesbrough last week and scored again, his third in three starts.

"That was the first time that he played left-back so there will be a lot of progress," Jol said. "But he did well, just 18, scored three goals, made an impact against Boro and before. That is why we bought him."

He added: "He can play as a wide player but his best position would be as a wing-back in a 3-5-2, what he does with Wales, but we play 4-4-2.

"In the win last week he showed me that he listens but he has great potential."

Jol feels Bale is still a work in progress but the £10million deal Spurs agreed with Southampton in the summer looks a good investment at the moment.

It was at Southampton where Bale stepped into the limelight by scoring two free-kicks at the start of last season, and he showed his accuracy against Arsenal two weeks ago.

"I feel that was his biggest strength with Southampton, his free-kicks, but as a full-back you have to do different things and I feel that he could be one of the best in the Premier League," said Jol.

"We've got to work on a few things as with other young players but what he did so far was good."