Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has said that the return of Gareth Bale could put the "fear factor" into Manchester City when the sides meet at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

The Portuguese said that having Bale available will be a huge boost to his side as they bid to return to the Premier League top four.

"There can be a fear factor if he plays," ESPN quotes Villas-Boas as saying. "We recognise the impact this player has had for us this season. His run of goals that he is on, he can have a big factor.

"It's good to have him around in this final part of the season. He can be an inspiration to everybody. When you look at the images that we saw [of his twisted ankle], it is good to have him back so quickly.

"This speaks highly of the medical staff at the club. Our squad is full of good players, but Bale can make a difference."

Spurs are currently two points behind Arsenal, but will have two games in hand after Arsenal's trip to Fulham on Saturday.