Mark Cousins is bracing himself for one of the toughest tasks in world football - stopping Gareth Bale.

And the Colchester United keeper admits saving one of the Welsh wizard’s sensational set-pieces tonight may prove a tough task.

Cousins will be charged with the responsibility of keeping Bale out, when the U’s host Tottenham Hotspur in front of a capacity crowd at the Weston Homes Community Stadium (kick-off 7pm).

Cousins is a Spurs supporter and often watches the north London action side in action, at White Hart Lane.

But tonight the 26-year-old shot-stopper will be tasked with keeping PFA Players’ Player of the Year Bale quiet - something he admits will not be easy.

Cousins said: “When you see Premier League and international goalkeepers struggling to deal with his free-kicks, it poses the question what can you do to stop him?

“I’ve seen his goals on TV and I think I’ve got an idea of what to expect if Gareth Bale steps up to take a free-kick.

“You just have to play your game and do your best against it."

For a full preview of Colchester United's game with Spurs tonight, see Friday's Daily Gazette.