David Bentley vows to 'resurrect career' at Birmingham after Tottenham troubles

13 January 2011 17:30
David Bentley has vowed to 'resurrect my career' after completing a loan switch to Birmingham from Tottenham for the remainder of the season.[LNB]The England winger cost £15million when he moved from Blackburn to White Hart Lane in the summer of 2008.[LNB]But a lack of first-team opportunities has led to the 26-year-old making the temporary switch to the Midlands.[LNB] Ready for action: Bentley is hoping to make his Birmingham derby in Sunday's Midlands derby against Aston Villa[LNB] Bentley said: 'It has been a difficult time for me the last couple of years.[LNB]'I found it hard not being involved as much as I wanted at Tottenham. They have got some great players and you can find yourself the wrong side of the fence.[LNB]'But there was no fall-out with Harry Redknapp and it is time to put things aside, move on - and hopefully I can have a positive effect on Birmingham.[LNB]'The aim is to resurrect my career and I love football and just want to have the chance to be playing.'[LNB]Now the 26-year-old wants to show the form that led to him being hailed as the new David Beckham during the early part of his career.[LNB]Bentley said: 'My relationship with Harry is fine and it is difficult when you have an abundance of talent (to pick from).[LNB]'I did get back in the team last year but then you have got someone like Aaron Lennon doing so well and the team is winning every week.[LNB]'It has been a difficult time, being out of the team, and there are so many great players there.[LNB]Back on track: Bentley believes his exit from White Hart Lane will bring out the best of him at Birmingham[LNB] 'But it is time to put those times aside and hopefully I can have a positive effect on Birmingham.[LNB]'This is my club for the next six months and hopefully the qualities I've got will come through.'[LNB]Bentley insists the perception of him being a laid-back character whoenjoys life should not be mistaken as meaning he does not care deeply for football.[LNB]He said: 'I do care about things. People sometimes get this perception of me, that I'm a big-time Charlie.[LNB]'But that is not the case. I love playing football. I left Arsenal toplay football. I went to Tottenham, not for the money, but with the best intentions of pushing on in my career.[LNB]'Everyday I wake up, I do think how lucky I am. There is nothing better than playing football. I appreciate what I have got.'[LNB]Birmingham manager Alex McLeish wants Bentley to ensure actions speak louder than words after confirming he will be included in the squad for Sunday's home derby with Aston Villa.[LNB] Staying put: Alex McLeish insists Sebastian Larsson remains a Birmingham City player[LNB]He said: 'He has great quality and he is at an age where he has takenstock and it is time for him to show the quality which led to him playing for England.[LNB]'It is time for his boots to do the talking. Ron Atkinson always used to say "don't tell me, show me".'[LNB]McLeish remains hopeful Rangers striker Kenny Miller will make the move to Blues in the next 24 hours.[LNB]But winger Sebastian Larsson's move to Newcastle looks in doubt after the player failed to agree terms.[LNB]McLeish said: 'Newcastle made a bid but I don't think Seb could agree terms so he is still a Birmingham player.'[LNB]Larsson played alongside Bentley at Arsenal as a youngster before the duo moved to attain regular first-team football.[LNB]  Tottenham outcast Bentley seals loan deal with struggling BirminghamBirmingham plotting double swoop for Wright-Phillips and WellensAll the latest Birmingham news, features and opinionAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion [LNB]  Explore more:People: David Bentley, Harry Redknapp, Alex McLeish, Sebastian Larsson, David Beckham, Aaron Lennon Places: Birmingham, Newcastle, United Kingdom

Source: Daily_Mail