Bentley: Relishing challenge

Related links

Teams

• Tottenham Hotspur

Players

• David Bentley

Also see

• Transfer Centre
• Clockwatch
• Paper Talk
• Betting

David Bentley set his sights on a successful season as he was officially presented as a Tottenham player.

Spurs announced on Wednesday evening that they had completed the signing of Bentley on a six-year deal from Blackburn.

He has cost an initial £15million and accepts that the pressure will be on to make a big impact at White Hart Lane.

But Bentley is looking forward to the challenge and believes he can help Spurs improve on their achievements from last season, when they won the Carling Cup but finished in mid-table in the Premier League.

Juande Ramos has made a number of other exciting signings this summer and Bentley feels Tottenham could break into the top four.

He told Sky Sports News: "Of course. They are young talented players. It will be difficult but if we give it our all and we are all up for it, I think it is quite possible.

"We can do anything we want and anything we put our minds to. We've got a great manager and you can see what he did last season.

"The fitness and the level of play at Tottenham has risen and I want to be a part of that.

"Hopefully we'll keep progressing this season and do well."

Heart

Bentley was linked with a number of other clubs this summer but he insists that he never considered going anywhere else.

"It means the world to join Tottenham," said the 23-year-old.

"There is a piece of my heart at this club and as soon as I knew they were interested in me, there was nowhere else I wanted to go to be honest.

"I was trying my hardest to come here, every day on the phone. A lot of my friends are season ticket holders.

"I didn't really contemplate going to another club. This is where I want to develop as a player.

"I know I am coming here with a big price tag and I have to repay Tottenham now."

Bentley also played down the significance of the time he spent with North London rivals Arsenal.

He said: "That's all in the past. I grew up there and went through the youth teams, but it's not a problem for me. My heart is with Tottenham."

England

Bentley is relishing the competition for places at Tottenham and hopes the switch will help boost his claims for a regular England spot.

"It will be up to me," he commented. "There are no guarantees of me playing and it is up to me to perform for my club, and hopefully that will be enough for Capello to pick me.

"I'm excited. You want to play with the best players and when you look at (Luka) Modric, (Giovani) Dos Santos, (Jermaine) Jenas and (Aaron) Lennon, it is a great midfield. I am looking forward to fitting in there somewhere and kicking on."

Ramos praise

Ramos also paid tribute to his new arrival and tipped him to go from strength to strength at Tottenham.

The manager said: "I think he is going to bring the best possible ability to our team. I think he is a very skilful, technical player with an exquisite touch.

"Tactically and strategically he will bring a lot to the side.

"And we hope we can help him maximise his potential."