Tottenham defender Assou-Ekotto pays tribute to Harry Redknapp after heart scare

Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto has revealed his shock at hearing that manager Harry Redknapp had been admitted to hospital for minor heart surgery this week.The Cameroon international paid tribute to his 64-year-old boss, who missed Thursday night's Europa League defeat to Rubin Kazan after undergoing a procedure to widen narrowed arteries. Get well soon gaffer: Benoit Assou-Ekotto is hoping that manager Harry Redknapp makes a swift returnSpeaking to the London Evening Standard, Assou-Ekotto said: 'After what has happened this week, I think it is important that we wish the gaffer a full and quick recovery.'When I heard he was in hospital to have minor surgery on his heart, I was really surprised. Concerned: Assou-Ekotto'There are many good football managers but very few exceptional ones. Harry Redknapp is one of those exceptional managers.'Harry's style is very relaxed, so sometimes you can forget the stress he has to deal with but that is probably because he hides it so well.'He is very laid-back in the way that he works with us, which is why I think he is a cool man.'Assou-Ekotto also revealed that Redknapp is hoping to be back in charge at White Hart Lane after the two-week international, in time for the visit of Aston Villa on November 21.'Harry won't be with us for our match at Fulham on Sunday, as I believe his doctors have advised him to rest up,' he said.'But I know he hopes to be back at work in time for our next game, which comes against Aston Villa after the international break.'Of course, we all hope that Harry is back on the Spurs training ground with us soon.' Fulham v TOTTENHAM: Gallas in line to make first league start in London derbyRedknapp's heart trauma: My chest tightened up after two minutes on treadmill Rubin Kazan 1 Tottenham 0: Bassong's blunder denies Harry timely Russian tonicAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion

Source: Daily_Mail