GARETH Bale believes Tottenham’s Champions League thrashing of FC Twente proves the European glory nights are on their way back to White Hart Lane.

GARETH Bale believes Tottenham’s Champions League thrashing of FC Twente proves the European glory nights are on their way back to White Hart Lane.

Bale’s late strike against the Dutch champions sealed an emphatic 4-1 win in Tottenham’s home debut in the competition – the first time European Cup football has graced the Lane since 1961-62.

The win left Spurs with four points from their opening two games of Group A, level with Italian champions Inter Milan, who host the Lilywhites at the San Siro on October 20.

Tottenham then host Rafa Benitez’s giants on November 2, on what promises to be one of the greatest occasions in the club’s history, and one which Bale feels marks the start of a new era.

“Everyone used to speak about the nights at White Hart Lane and I think now they’re coming back,” said the left-back.

“It was a great atmosphere out there (against FC Twente), it showed what a big occasion it is and we want to progress in this competition.

“Every player wants to test themselves at the highest level and in the Champions League you do that, especially against the big teams.

“Inter Milan in our group will be a big test, everyone’s enjoying it and looking forward to the future games.”

Tottenham’s flying left-back and winger was this week named Player of the Year by the Football Association of Wales.

He has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, scoring three times, including the spectacular volley against Stoke City which won goal of the month on BBC’s Match of the Day – but is vowing to get even better.

“The main thing is I’ve worked hard off the pitch when I wasn’t playing,” said Bale.

“Definitely getting a run in the team, you learn more as a player when you’re playing every game and that’s what I’m doing now.

“I’m learning every time and I’m always bringing new things into my game.

“The more I play and the more I learn the more confident I get and I feel I’m progressing as a player.

“Everybody still has something to learn in the game, every player in the world. Everyone’s target is to get better and it’s no different for me, I want to keep improving.