Source: Team_Talk
Spurs can't replace Modric - Redknapp
Harry Redknapp admits that Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric is irreplacable amid fears he may face another lengthy spell out injured.[LNB] Redknapp is anxiously awaiting the results of a scan after Modric suffered a leg injury in a challenge with West Brom defender Gonzalo Jara during Saturday's 1-1 draw.[LNB]The Croatian, who had opened the scoring, left the ground on crutches.[LNB]The blow to his leg was in the same spot as the one he broke against Birmingham last season and ruled him out for several months.[LNB]Even if the news turns out to be positive, Modric will follow Jermain Defoe and Michael Dawson in missing Tuesday's Champions League clash with Werder Bremen.[LNB]Redknapp said: "We've got strength in depth, but you always have one or two players who make the difference to you.[LNB]"Modric makes the difference. In my opinion, he could play in any team, anywhere in the world.[LNB]"He's a top, top player. He is fantastic. When you lose him, you can't replace him. You've got other people who are good players, great players, but he's a special player.[LNB]"So it will be a massive loss for us if he is going to be out for a while."[LNB]It needed a reminder of another superb performance by Gareth Bale to bring a smile back to Redknapp's face.[LNB]Bale switched from midfield to left-back but it made no difference to the havoc he caused to the West Brom defence with a series of runs and probing crosses.[LNB]He said: "Gareth Bale's the most amazing player, isn't he? Where do you see a performance like that?[LNB]"He has played wide left and now he's played left-back.[LNB]"Look at him, he's only 20. It's just amazing, isn't it? He's such a threat, isn't he?[LNB]"The times he gets behind the back four from left-back, the energy that he plays with, and the quality that he plays with is just amazing."[LNB]West Brom hope midfielder Graham Dorrans will return to action sooner rather than later after he withdrew from the game because of a family bereavement.[LNB]Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo said: "We knew he was not able to play on the morning of the game. We hope he will back with us very soon."[LNB]Skipper Scott Carson believes West Brom are better equipped to compete in the Premier League than when they were relegated two years ago.[LNB]He said: "In the past we maybe would have conceded the first goal and then thought: 'oh here we go'.[LNB]"But it just shows the spirit in the squad and how the manager has got us playing with a never-say-die attitude and I think it has paid off.[LNB]"We have played against a top side and gone from 1-0 down to deserving to win the game.[LNB]"I think now we are all playing for the team and doing all the dirty stuff we never used to.[LNB]"I saw Jerome Thomas win a good 50-50 sliding tackle and those are the sort of things we didn't do two years ago.[LNB]"Hopefully the penny is starting to drop and we know what we need to do to stay in the league."[LNB]Modric opened the scoring but Chris Brunt earned Albion a deserved share of the spoils with the 50th league goal of his career.
