Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar happy to finally get first-team chance

The Croatia international is delighted to be in the starting eleven after injury to Rafael van der Vaart handed him an opportunity to come in from the fringes at White Hart Lane

13 Feb 2012 09:03:00

By Simon Sinclair

More On :  Tottenham, Niko Kranjcar
Niko Kranjcar - Tottenham (Getty Images)
Getty Images

Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar has expressed his delight with a recent run in the Spurs first team.

The Croatia international has deputised for the injured Rafael van der Vaart and Aaron Lennon for the past couple of weeks and recently netted in Spurs' 5-0 win over Newcastle.

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And, whilst the playmaker admitted his disappointment in the circumstances in which his starting berth has come about, he is happy with the opportunity.

"Of course nobody is happy about the injuries to Van der Vaart and Lennon, but I got my chance because of them and I am happy about that," Kranjcar told Novi list.

"I hope that I have been good enough for our coach. I am disappointed with the injuries I have had, but I am happy to have played in the last few games.

"There is no shame to be a reserve at a club like Tottenham but we will see how many more chances I get before the summer.

"Harry Redknapp is always saying to me that he will not let me go for any price and I guess that means that I will get my chance."

Kranjcar is hopeful Tottenham can catch the Manchester clubs at the top of the table insisting that, if they do slip up, Spurs must be ready to strike.

"I want to help the team to finish as high as we can," he continued.

"It will be difficult to fight with City and United, but if they make some mistakes then we have to take advantage. We are playing beautiful football but they are more consistent."

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