Bentley urged to keep up form

Redknapp thrilled with winger's man-of-the-match effort

Last updated: 4th February 2010  

Bentley urged to keep up form

Winner: Defoe strikes to kill off Leeds, turning in David Bentley's cross

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Harry Redknapp told David Bentley he will be a key Tottenham player if he keeps up his good form following his display against Leeds.

Bentley was the man of the match as Spurs reached round five of the FA Cup after a hard-fought 3-1 replay victory at the League One side.

Bentley has been on the fringes of the first-team squad for much of the current campaign but Spurs boss Redknapp said: "He has come back and taken his opportunity.

"He has shown what a good player he is in the last couple of games and he needs to keep on doing that."

Of Defoe, who scored all three goals at Elland Road, Redknapp added: "He's got to keep working hard.

"They (Defoe and Peter Crouch) were a good pair tonight. It was a good all-round performance."

Bentley has had a tough time at White Hart Lane since his move from Blackburn in July 2008 but said after the Leeds game: "It has been a difficult time since I came here.

"I just look to every game I play, look to take advantage and enjoy myself. I take it game by game, you never know in football.

"My time at Tottenham has been a hard one but hopefully I can start enjoying it now."

Defoe was relieved to have overcome the challenge posed by the League One outfit.

He said: "That was a difficult game. A cup tie is always difficult. Away from home it was a great performance from the lads, I am pleased with the win."

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