Bentley moves into gear

Posted Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by PA

David Bentley admits he has not been focused on football while at Tottenham but declared himself back with his performance in the Carling Cup victory against Everton.

Bentley has been behind Aaron Lennon in the pecking order and was in the headlines for the wrong reasons when he was arrested for a drink-driving offence earlier in the season, but now the 24-year-old is set to play in the derby against Arsenal on Saturday.

With Lennon injured for the Emirates Stadium clash with an injury to his left ankle, Bentley seized his chance to impress and set up Tom Huddlestone's opener at White Hart Lane in the 2-0 win, with Robbie Keane adding the second.

"I enjoyed it," Bentley said. "It's been a difficult time since I've been here, I've encountered every problem in the book and it's just nice to get my head down now and hopefully concentrate on football.

"I just looked to enjoy myself and give 100%. Sometimes my efforts have been lacking at times because I haven't been fully focused on football. I think I've got that right now and against Everton I worked hard and my ability came out. I was happy with it."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been disappointed with Bentley's attitude in training but was pleased the #15million signing from Blackburn took his chance to shine.

"He's got to play like that and put that effort in," Redknapp said. "Aaron has played so well, he's not had the opportunity.

"His attitude was not as good in training as it could be and I spoke to him about that. He accepts that and is determined to put that right. Maybe he didn't see light at the end of the tunnel.

"But he's a decent boy and was very good against Everton, I was really pleased. We all saw him as a kid at Arsenal and when he went on loan from there. When he plays like that he's a good player."

Bentley was linked with a move to Manchester City on deadline day and Redknapp feels the England midfielder has to play well regardless of his future.

"Whether he want to stay here or move he has to play well," the Spurs boss added. "People might see that and think 'I could do with him' and if he plays well I will want to keep him too."

Lennon's injury means Bentley is likely to be given the opportunity to replicate his 45-yard goal against his former club this time last year.

"It was the best thing ever to come to Tottenham and do that at Arsenal," Bentley added. "It was great and hopefully it can happen again.

"We'll have to see about Saturday. Azza (Lennon) has been playing so well since I've come to the club, he's been exceptional and has made it very difficult for me. I haven't been able to challenge him the way I would have liked but hopefully we'll see what happens now. I'll keep working hard and see what I can do."

David Moyes refused to speak to the media after his side's defeat. It is thought he is upset about organisers refusing to move the match and ease Everton's fixture congestion.