Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp tells David Bentley to take his second chance

05 February 2010 17:20
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has told David Bentley to seize his second chance at White Hart Lane and take advantage of the fact his manager does not hold grudges.[LNB]Bentley looked set to leave Spurs earlier in the season when he angered Redknapp with his off-the-field behaviour and poor attitude in training - but the winger has been given another opportunity following a groin injury to Aaron Lennon.[LNB]Last month Redknapp dropped 25-year-old Bentley from his 18-man matchday squadbecause he felt the former Blackburn midfielder did not warrant a place on the bench, only to recall him for the last three games and see him star in the midweek FA Cup win at Leeds.[LNB] Bentley: In action for Spurs at Birmingham last weekend[LNB]Redknapp, impressed by Bentley's reaction, said: 'David was out the picture but has trained well and has been fantastic. I don't hold grudges, I don't work that way, and it's there for anybody.[LNB]'They're all here to play and he's responded really well. The work-rate and ability he showed the other night at Leeds was fantastic and was appreciated.'[LNB]Next is Aston Villa as the race for fourth place in the Barclays Premier League hots up and, even if Luka Modric is preferred, Redknapp will be looking for a positive reaction from Bentley.[LNB]The good news for Bentley is that Lennon has not started training with the ball yet and is limited to running in straight lines.[LNB]Redknapp: doesn't bear grudges[LNB]'I've just been looking to perform,' Bentley said. 'It's been a difficult time since I came here and you can't help that when the team have been doing so well without you.[LNB]'I just look forward to every game I play now and don't take it for granted. I go out there and enjoy myself.[LNB]'I just want to stay in the team and play as many games as I can. I am taking it game by game at the minute because you never know in football.[LNB]'My time at Spurs has been hard but hopefully I can start enjoying it now.'[LNB]Another player with a second chance at Tottenham is Younes Kaboul, who was bought back by the club after being sold to Portsmouth for the start of last season.[LNB]Despite winning the Carling Cup under Juande Ramos, his first spell at Spurs was characterised by high-profile blunders - but Redknapp now believes the 24-year-old could even force his way into France's squad if he continues his progress.[LNB]'Younes has the ability and potential to be a top player. If you're looking for a centre-half he has everything - marking, heading, pace and good on the ball,' Redknapp said.[LNB]'The only problem was concentration - he could switch off. But he's matured with more games. He's gone to Portsmouth and become a better player.[LNB]'Now he's ready to push on and could have a chance of making the French squad for the World Cup.'[LNB] Spurs line up Ghana stopper George Owu as No 2 to Heurelho GomesAston Villa boss O'Neill warns his stars: We must not slip up against SpursTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC

Source: Daily_Mail