Barry Horne "relieved" at Gareth Bale's absence

Former Everton midfielder Barry Horne has declared himself "relieved" at Gareth Bale's absence for the Blues' clash with Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow.

David Moyes's side travel to White Hart Lane to face Spurs who will be without their Welsh winger, who was injured in Thursday's 2-2 draw with Basel in the Europa League.

"I have never wished ill on any professional footballer, but speaking entirely as an Evertonian and hoping that he gets back to full fitness very quickly, I am relieved that Gareth Bale will not be involved tomorrow's match," he wrote in his column in the Liverpool Echo.

"I have been an avowed admirer of Bale ever since I first clapped eyes on him as a raw but immensely talented teenager. And he has been the difference in so many matches for Spurs this season.

"Not having to cope with the pace, the powerful running and precise shooting and dangerous crossing of Bale can only help [Everton's] cause."

Everton are currently sixth in the Premier League.