Published: 29 March, 2012
by DAN CARRIER

THE delight felt by Tottenham’s players following Tuesday night’s FA Cup 3-1 quarter final win over Bolton was summed up by Dutch star Rafael van der Vaart.

Spurs, who have had a shaky few weeks with a series of costly defeats and draws, now have the chance to book their first FA Cup final appearance since 1991.

Van der Vaart spoke after the game of the emotions he felt as Spurs scored a crucial goal to get their noses in front in the 75th minute.

“I spoke to the other guys and I can’t remember being so happy to score a first goal,” he said. “And it wasn’t even me that scored.

“At certain points you are thinking ‘please, go in’ but after the first goal you saw the relief and that we were going to win the game.

It was a great victory and we played some fantastic football, how a Tottenham team is supposed to play.

“It’s always been a dream to play at Wembley and now we are there. It’s going to be a great semi-final against Chelsea, plus Liverpool against Everton, so for Spurs fans and football fans everywhere it will be a fantastic day.”

His views were echoed by winger Gareth Bale, who hit the second goal in the 3-1 victory.

Bale said the run-out at Wembley was a tangible reward for what had been a long and, at times, gruelling season.

He said: “It is fantastic, not just for us but for the supporters.

“We have had a long, hard season but I think we showed out there how much we want to keep improving after a bad run.

“We have got a win now and we can kick on from here, both in the FA Cup and in the league. Everybody wants to win the FA Cup and we have got a great chance now.

“We know we have got tough opposition in Chelsea in the semi-final, but we will give it a right go and we have got the squad to do it.”

Spurs away game against Bolton in the Premier League on April 15 will now be rearranged.