Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp believes David Bentley still has a big part to play in the club’s push for a top four place they currently hold.
Bentley has suffered his fair share of trials and tribulations at White Hart Lane and his first team chances have been limited under Redknapp, who has questioned the player’s attitude and commitment at times. Not last night.
Not only did he score Spurs’ second goal – although that might be one for the dubious goals’ panel – Bentley put in an all-round performance that pleased his manager who was given food for thought.
Bentley has expressed a desire in the past to leave White Hart Lane and has been linked with a number of clubs, so he has plenty to think about too.
Bentley’s latest rare opportunity arrived as a result of the absence of both Niko Kranjcar and Aaron Lennon, and Redknapp was pleased to see his enigmatic star take his chance with both hands.
"I'm pleased with David Bentley's performance, he's got great ability and he showed that. He's been unlucky not to have had more chances because of Aaron Lennon's form but all we can ask is that when he gets his chance he takes it and he did that tonight."
Harry added: “It was nice for David, he performed well and when he works plays like that I haven’t got a problem. Kranjcar was sick so I gave him an opportunity and he took it well. If he plays well he has a chance.
"When he plays like that he has every chance, if he shows a good attitude and comes to work and plays hard. When you're not in the team you're disappointed but he showed a great attitude.
“It was nice to see him get the reward of a goal, similar to the one he got against Wigan, and whether he continues to get in the team and remain a Tottenham player is down to him.”
Of the 2-0 win against Fulham, Redknapp added: “Any win in this league at the moment is a good win, especially when you pick up three points against a good side like Fulham. This is a great result for us.”
There has been some suggestions Spurs were enduring ‘a blip’, a theory that Redknapp rubbished. “I heard someone say the other day we had hit a brick wall. Nonsense. We’ve lost one in ten, now who can tell me that’s not decent form.
“Yes, we’ve had a couple of games where we’ve played well and dominated and not got a result, so it was nice to win, but all I say to people is look at where we are. We are in a great position.”
