Harry happy with Bale's GB bid

Stuart Pearce was named as the head coach of the men's football team on Thursday and immediately made it clear that, despite opposition from the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Football Associations, he wants to be able to pick a squad that includes representatives from all four nations. Of the non-English players available to him, Bale is perhaps the most talented, and would easily slot in to the left-wing position that has troubled the English team for so long. Bale himself revealed this summer that he was keen to play at London 2012, despite opposition from the Welsh FA, but his participation in the tournament requires the consent of his club manager. Redknapp removed that obstacle on Friday by declaring that he would be happy for the flying winger to take part in the Games. "If that's what he wants, then I wouldn't stop him playing," Redknapp said. "I think it's a great honour for anyone to play in an Olympic Games. It must be fantastic, something to look back on for years to come. "To play in the Olympic Games in England, I think it would be a great honour for any player. I certainly wouldn't stop anyone going." Bale's selection, and that of former England captain David Beckham, would boost flagging ticket sales and Redknapp hopes support for the event gathers momentum. "I hope it does take off. I will be watching the football, and the athletics and the boxing if I can get a ticket," the Spurs boss said. "I am looking forward to a great summer of sport, like everybody is." Bale will return to the Spurs starting XI for Sunday's match at Blackburn after he was rested for Thursday night's Europa League win over Rubin Kazan. Redknapp made nine changes to his team for the 1-0 win over the Russian side, which was settled by a brilliant free-kick from Roman Pavlyuchenko. The strike, only Pavlyuchenko's second of the season, will not be enough to earn him a place in the starting line-up for Sunday's game, however, with Redknapp keen to recall in-form Emmanuel Adebayor to play up front alongside either Rafael van der Vaart or Jermain Defoe. The Tottenham manager said: "I have good competition up front. Defoe scored a good goal last week and Adebayor has been in good form. "It's difficult with Pav. He is a good lad. He gets on with it and if he works hard and puts the effort in home and away he will be a top player, there is no doubt about that. "When he is on his game, he is a fantastic player. He has great ability, great power in his shooting. "But I can only pick the people I think deserve to play at the end of the day. Adebayor has been excellent leading the line." The 20-yard free-kick, which moved Spurs two points clear at the top of Europa League Group A, also does not appear to have lessened the chances of Pavlyuchenko leaving the club in January. Redknapp admitted on Wednesday that he would listen to offers for the 29-year-old if he wanted to leave this winter, and the player himself has made it clear that he will seek a transfer if he continues to be omitted from the Spurs league side. "He is never happy really. I don't think I can really keep him happy," Redknapp added. "I haven't spoke to him about his future. He has to just come in and work hard every day. "It's up to him what he does in January. If he felt he wanted to move in January then..."