Poyet praises brilliant Bent

Assistant manager beams at substitute's impact

By James Dall   Last updated: 22nd March 2008

Gus Poyet

Poyet: Bent praise

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Gus Poyet has hailed the impact of substitute Darren Bent after the striker came on to inspire Tottenham to a 2-0 win over Portsmouth at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Spurs dominated large periods of their clash with Harry Redknapp's side, but looked to be heading for a 0-0 stalemate as Pompey gradually restricted their goal-scoring opportunities.

But on 80 minutes, Bent arrowed Dimitar Berbatov's scuffed shot past goalkeeper David James, before teeing up fellow substitute Jamie O'Hara to seal the three points.

And assistant manager Poyet has hailed Bent, while admitting that the encounter was a decent test of Spurs' patience.

"It was a day when you had to be really patient in terms of waiting for your chance," he told Sky Sports.

"It was all about patience. We needed to keep playing and keep believing.

Importance

"There were too many players behind the ball. But, yes, Bent opened up the whole situation.

"Sometimes I think that the subs do not realise how important they are. They can win the game for you."

Asked whether Bent might soon be considered for a regular starting role, he said: "It is difficult because you know how many goals Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov score together.

"But if he keeps coming on and scoring goals he is going to be in with a chance sooner or later."