Bent happy to play for Spurs

But striker won't accept long-term stint as a sub

Last updated: 24th March 2008

Football Premier League Tottenham Portsmouth Darren Bent

Bent: Happy playing for Spurs

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Darren Bent insists he is 'very happy' at Tottenham Hotspur, but he concedes he will continue to monitor his situation at White Hart Lane.

The England striker has started just nine Premier League matches for Spurs since joining the club in a £16.5million move from Charlton Athletic last summer.

He has already seen Jermain Defoe quit the club this season in search of regular first-team football at Portsmouth after the forward became frustrated at his lack of opportunities.

Bent, who was an influential substitute in Saturday's 2-0 win over Portsmouth, accepts his plight is not yet comparable to Defoe's.

And, while he acknowledged he may have to review his future if he stays a bit-part player, Bent is determined to grasp his opportunity with Juande Ramos' side.

Frustrating

"Jermain went through it a lot longer than I want to that's for sure," said Bent in The Sun. "If things continue then I'll have to see.

"Every time an England squad is picked and you are not in it, it is frustrating, but as long as I can keep performing I hope I will get my opportunity.

"But the main thing is I am very happy at Tottenham. I like playing football for this club. Whether it is for 25 minutes or 90, I'm happy just to get on the pitch.

"I can't go out there and start to sulk. That won't do any good. I have to stay alert, keep bright and hopefully things will happen for me.

"I have to take it as it comes. The gaffer might bring in another striker which could push me further down the pecking order and I don't really want that. So I just have to see what happens."