Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp hinted that unsettled winger David Bentley may still play a part in the London team's push for Champions League qualification after starring in their win over Fulham.
The former Blackburn midfielder looked to be on his way out of White Hart Lane after Redknapp questioned his attitude but one goal and a helping hand in another during Tuesday's 2-0 Premier League win drew praise from his manager.
"While he's here he's got a chance. If he shows a good attitude and comes in and trains and works hard I've got no problems. It's up to him," the former Portsmouth boss claimed.
Bentley scored the second goal via a deflected free-kick, the first coming courtesy of England striker Peter Crouch after good work from Croatia's Luka Modric.
The much-needed win brought to an end a disappointing run which saw the Lillywhites draw against Hull and League One Leeds in the FA Cup and lose to Liverpool.
The importance of the victory was magnified by Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Wolves, meaning the north London team open up a three point gap over the Reds as the battle for fourth place, and Champions League qualification, hots up.
"This result keeps us right in there," the former Bournemouth boss said. "It wasn't easy after the setback at the weekend against Leeds but we'll keep on picking up results and that's all you can do."
Tuesday also proved to be a red-letter day for full-back Gareth Bale who finally won for the first time in the Premier League after starting a game for Spurs.
Wheeler-dealer Redknapp is usually busy during the transfer windows but has been quiet so far this January, although he admitted he had tried to lure former Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen to the Lane on a loan deal.
"I like Eidur, but I think he's going to West Ham," he said. "I spoke to his agent today but I've left it with chairman.
"I'd take him on loan because he's a good player and we could play different systems with him. The deal I heard was very interesting," he added.
The former Hammers boss was quick to point out that this was not a sign that Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko was leaving the club, insisting that he didn't figure Tuesday due to injury.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson confirmed that prized defender Chris Smalling would be going to Manchester United for a medical Wednesday and, all being well, would sign for the champions ready for the start of next season.
The former Inter Milan boss scotched rumours that the bid was in danger of being hijacked by another club.
"Don't put words in my mouth," the veteran manager demanded. "There's no doubt in my mind that he is off to Manchester United."
The west London club will miss the youngster's assured defending and a run of four league defeats on the trot will dampen spirits at Craven Cottage further.
Hodgson has been resigned to losing the England Under-21 international since the weekend, but had generous words for his protege, who played against Spurs despite his imminent transfer.
"Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't make mistakes. We've known we've had a diamond in our midst but when you are Fulham you are aware your diamond will be taken away by a club more powerful," Hodgson accepted.
"He's a good learner and has become a much better player than the one we signed from non-league," the ex-Blackburn boss added. "It didn't take long to realise this boy had something special."
Copyright 2010 AFP Global Edition
