Source: PA
Van der Vaart plays down substitution row
Rafael van der Vaart is confident any issues with Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp over his reaction to being substituted against West Ham will have "blown over" by the time he returns from international duty.
The Holland midfielder headed straight down the tunnel when, for the 17th time this season, he was replaced during Spurs' frustrating goalless draw at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
Redknapp was less than impressed by the Dutchman's actions, claiming in his post-match interview: "If you are part of a team you should stay to watch the rest of the game."
However, Van der Vaart insists he was not showing a lack of respect, just disappointment at not being able to see out the full match.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Van der Vaart said: "I read that Harry Redknapp wanted to talk with me, but I did not see him before I left for Holland. But at Tottenham they cannot be angry with me. I also did the same thing against AC Milan [in the Champions League].
"I played well, and did not find the substitution necessary. Often I like to play 90 minutes, but at Spurs that hardly ever happens. I wont be back for 10 days, by then a lot of it will have blown over."
