It's taken time, but Gareth Bale is finally finding his feet again at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 31-year-old attacker has now scored four goals and assisted three more in his last four outings in all competitions, and he's only started 50% in that run too, via Transfermarkt.

Given that the Welsh superstar only started 14 times for parent club, Real Madrid, last season, time was always needed to get him up to speed, especially with persistent injury niggles, which would have undoubtedly stalled his progress.

Throughout February, reports emerged suggesting that Bale was unlikely to be kept past his current loan spell in north London - indeed, according to AS journalist Carlos Forjanes, Jose Mourinho had 'no interest' in signing him permanently in the summer.

Which echoed the thoughts of former Spurs forward and caretaker boss Clive Allen, who suggested that Mourinho was "losing his patience" with the club favourite, via talkSPORT.

It's now time for the Portuguese stalwart to take a U-turn, if those reports are to be believed, as Bale still has a lot to offer and with a proper pre-season under his belt, he could well become as devastating as he once was.

His influence in recent matches has helped Spurs stop the rot, having lost five of their last six in all competitions, before those four appearances.

Had he started against West Ham, then the result may well have been very different as he was graded as their highest-rated player (7.4) after only 45 minutes, having provided an assist, created a key pass and attempted three shots at goal, as per SofaScore.

That 7.4 rating has been his lowest across the last four games, with a high of 8.9 coming at the weekend as he demolished Burnley with two goals and an assist, on top of two successful dribbles and one key pass.

If he can keep this up, then a front three of Bale, Heung-min Son and Harry Kane is a mouthwatering prospect and ultimately, if all are in-form, one that could spearhead them towards silverware - something they are in line to do with the Carabao Cup on the horizon.

Last week, Mourinho showed a sign that things could be changing for the Welsh international, claiming he was "a player with special qualities" before suggesting at the weekend, he was "better than ever."

Therefore, it's time for the Spurs boss to change his mind about the long-term future of the £18m-rated star.

Fans love him, he's sparked a turnaround in form, and it's merely the beginning (even if it's March).

Bale must remain in N17 past the current campaign.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Doherty: Spurs should land "special" £18m-rated gem, he's perfect for Mourinho