Rocha eager to be playing

Defender unsure if he figures in Redknapp's long-term plans

Last updated: 2nd December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rocha eager to be playing

Rocha: Wants first-team football

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Ricardo Rocha admits he is unsure if he has a future at Tottenham Hotspur under new manager Harry Redknapp.

The Portuguese defender has not played a first-team game for Spurs since September 2007 after undergoing ankle surgery.

He failed to regain his place in the team under former boss Juande Ramos and has yet to figure since Redknapp took charge.

Rocha was an unused substitute in the Carling Cup win over Liverpool and the 30-year-old is eager to be playing on a regular basis again.

Miss playing

"I have not played since I was injured and had my surgery, so for me the most important thing is to start playing again because I miss playing at the highest level. I have played a few games for the reserves but it's not the same," said Rocha.

"I have to be patient because I'm an experienced player and I know how things are.

"We have a fantastic team with fantastic players, so it's not easy for me or any player to play every single week.

"But, of course, I haven't played for one year. I don't know what my future will be, but I just want to do my best every day and the coach has to decide who plays."

Rocha, who was wanted by Hull City during the summer, has been impressed by Redknapp's approach since he arrived from Portsmouth in late October.

"He talks to every player and he makes every player count for the team's success," Rocha added on PortuGOAL.net.

"You have to have the support of your players and be able to count on them in any situation."