Spurs boss Harry Redknapp believes "fruitcake" Adel Taarabt could return to haunt him at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Spurs boss wary of former player as sides prepare to meet
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp believes "fruitcake" Adel Taarabt could return to haunt him at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Taarabt arrived at Tottenham as a 17-year-old from Lens, but, despite a 'next Zinedine Zidane' tag, he failed to make an impression and after he was loaned to QPR for two successive seasons, Redknapp opted to sell him to the Hoops on a permanent basis for around £1million in August last year.
Taarabt then racked up 19 goals last term to help fire Neil Warnock's team to promotion to the Premier League.
Despite problems he has caused Warnock off the pitch, Redknapp is in no doubt about the youngster's capability, and is wary he could come back and haunt him.
The Spurs boss said: "He is a bit of a fruitcake but he's got amazing ability.
Genius
"When he came here they called him the next Zidane. He isn't in the same league as Zidane. He (Zidane) was a genius. But one day Taarabt could be up there, because he's got that ability, and he could develop.
"He can play anywhere, he's got that much talent, it's just whether his head is right."
Regarding selling Taarabt on, he added: "It was a difficult one really with Adel.
"I didn't really want to get rid of him to be honest with you.
"I was scared to let him go because I always felt that he could come back and haunt you, or bite you.
"His skill is frightening, and he could be a great player. If his head's right then he can be brilliant.
"Come Sunday I'm sure he'll want to be brilliant again."
Unbeaten run
Spurs welcome Rangers to White Hart Lane on the back of a six-match unbeaten run which has dragged the club from the foot of the table to sixth.
A win against their neighbours will put Tottenham level on points with third-placed Chelsea, having played a game less.
Ledley King has an outside chance of making a comeback from his groin injury, but should the defender not be passed fit, Scott Parker will skipper the side again like he did at Blackburn last week.
Parker, who signed from West Ham this summer, has arguably been Tottenham's best player this season and Redknapp has been delighted with the midfielder's efforts.
He added: "He's a good foil for Luka (Modric) in midfield and the crowd love him here already. They've responded to him.
"He gets after people, makes tackles and I think you need someone like that in your side.
"When Ledley's not fit and Michael (Dawson) isn't fit, Scotty will certainly captain the team."
