Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker has claimed that Charlie Adam's tackle to injure Gareth Bale was made out of jealousy.

The Liverpool midfielder has been criticised by Bale for the challenge that forced him off during the friendly between the two teams in Baltimore on Saturday.

Walker has added his view to the argument by insisting that the fact that Adam injured Bale 15 months ago during his time at Blackpool proves that the Scotland international is harbouring negative feelings towards his teammate.

The 22-year-old said: "The reason for it is simple — he is jealous as Gareth is such a good player. He did him at our place last year when he was sent off.

"It just keeps coming up that he doesn't really like him. Players shouldn't hate Gareth, they should appreciate playing against a player like him.

"They could actually learn from him, rather than kick him. He's a great player."

Bale is now a doubt to be fit for the beginning of Spurs' season.