Post by longshot on Dec 1, 2009 9:14:35 GMT 7
Modric on the way back
By Soccernet staff
Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is making good progress in his comeback from a fractured fibula. Manager Harry Redknapp revealed that the player - out since August after suffering the injury in the Premier League win over Birmingham - has been training with the youth team.
"Luka trained with the kids and he was moving a lot better,'' said Redknapp. "So he's on his way back and hopefully it shouldn't take too long. We don't want to break him down and we want to make sure he's ready.''
Schemer Modric has been badly missed both at club and international level. Tottenham have struggled to sustain their excellent start to the season, and Croatia failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Redknapp is expected to underline his team's credentials to qualify for the Champions League by rotating his squad for the Carling Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson often uses the competition to field fringe players and, while that may offer Spurs a glimmer of hope of their first win at Old Trafford since 1989, Redknapp will also make changes.
"I can change a few players around, players who have trained hard and showed a good attitude around the club,'' Redknapp said, with Robbie Keane and Jermaine Jenas falling into that bracket after being substitutes for the last two games. Alan Hutton and Gareth Bale could also be used.
Spurs have been finalists for the last two years in the third biggest prize in domestic football - winning it under Juande Ramos in 2008 - but this season they have mounted a serious campaign to finish in the top four of the Barclays Premier League.
With a third of the season gone, Spurs are only behind Chelsea and United, with Redknapp viewing the title as being a two-horse race.
Arsenal's challenge faltered against Chelsea, and Redknapp insisted: "I don't think we learned anything from the weekend. I said weeks ago I could see Chelsea and Man United fighting for the championship.
"I can't see Arsenal winning the championship, you saw just how strong Chelsea are, they've got everything, and you can never write United off. I spoke to Alex two weeks ago and he said he felt the same way.
"For us to get into the Champions League would be a real big achievement. Everton did it the other year. Why not? Of course it could happen, Villa and Man City could (also) get in there this year.
"There's an opportunity but it will be very hard. We have a good a chance as anybody.''
It marks a change in mentality at Spurs, who have used cup competitions to salvage their last two seasons. After winning it they went into freefall under Ramos, then Redknapp was appointed to get the club out of a relegation battle last season.
"We want to get to Wembley if we can, it's a great day out,'' Redknapp said. "But it's a tough week and gives me the chance to look at one or two players. We made plenty of changes at Preston and Doncaster.''
Centre-back Sebastien Bassong admits he would rather finish in the top four than win a trophy.
"Both cup competitions are very important but the main thing for us is the Premier League,'' said Bassong in the London Evening Standard. "The top four is our goal, so if we can get into the Champions League we will all be very happy.''
United boss Ferguson will be serving the final half of his two-match touchline ban for criticising referee Alan Wiley - but Redknapp feels it will have no bearing on the result.
"All the shouting and the screaming in the world makes no difference,'' he said. "It didn't make a difference at Portsmouth, and at Old Trafford you're probably better off sitting up there. Alex's teams know what they are doing.
"If you make these remarks you expect it, you will get a ban if you say anything out of order, but it's not my business.
"We've all been up before the FA for making remarks. I've got seven grandchildren, Christmas is coming - I can't afford a fine.''
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I can't wait till we get modric playing again! It will be a headache for harry, but we may see modric linking up with kranjcar..
The future's so bright, it's lillywhite!
Come on u spuuu-uurs!
By Soccernet staff
Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is making good progress in his comeback from a fractured fibula. Manager Harry Redknapp revealed that the player - out since August after suffering the injury in the Premier League win over Birmingham - has been training with the youth team.
"Luka trained with the kids and he was moving a lot better,'' said Redknapp. "So he's on his way back and hopefully it shouldn't take too long. We don't want to break him down and we want to make sure he's ready.''
Schemer Modric has been badly missed both at club and international level. Tottenham have struggled to sustain their excellent start to the season, and Croatia failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Redknapp is expected to underline his team's credentials to qualify for the Champions League by rotating his squad for the Carling Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson often uses the competition to field fringe players and, while that may offer Spurs a glimmer of hope of their first win at Old Trafford since 1989, Redknapp will also make changes.
"I can change a few players around, players who have trained hard and showed a good attitude around the club,'' Redknapp said, with Robbie Keane and Jermaine Jenas falling into that bracket after being substitutes for the last two games. Alan Hutton and Gareth Bale could also be used.
Spurs have been finalists for the last two years in the third biggest prize in domestic football - winning it under Juande Ramos in 2008 - but this season they have mounted a serious campaign to finish in the top four of the Barclays Premier League.
With a third of the season gone, Spurs are only behind Chelsea and United, with Redknapp viewing the title as being a two-horse race.
Arsenal's challenge faltered against Chelsea, and Redknapp insisted: "I don't think we learned anything from the weekend. I said weeks ago I could see Chelsea and Man United fighting for the championship.
"I can't see Arsenal winning the championship, you saw just how strong Chelsea are, they've got everything, and you can never write United off. I spoke to Alex two weeks ago and he said he felt the same way.
"For us to get into the Champions League would be a real big achievement. Everton did it the other year. Why not? Of course it could happen, Villa and Man City could (also) get in there this year.
"There's an opportunity but it will be very hard. We have a good a chance as anybody.''
It marks a change in mentality at Spurs, who have used cup competitions to salvage their last two seasons. After winning it they went into freefall under Ramos, then Redknapp was appointed to get the club out of a relegation battle last season.
"We want to get to Wembley if we can, it's a great day out,'' Redknapp said. "But it's a tough week and gives me the chance to look at one or two players. We made plenty of changes at Preston and Doncaster.''
Centre-back Sebastien Bassong admits he would rather finish in the top four than win a trophy.
"Both cup competitions are very important but the main thing for us is the Premier League,'' said Bassong in the London Evening Standard. "The top four is our goal, so if we can get into the Champions League we will all be very happy.''
United boss Ferguson will be serving the final half of his two-match touchline ban for criticising referee Alan Wiley - but Redknapp feels it will have no bearing on the result.
"All the shouting and the screaming in the world makes no difference,'' he said. "It didn't make a difference at Portsmouth, and at Old Trafford you're probably better off sitting up there. Alex's teams know what they are doing.
"If you make these remarks you expect it, you will get a ban if you say anything out of order, but it's not my business.
"We've all been up before the FA for making remarks. I've got seven grandchildren, Christmas is coming - I can't afford a fine.''
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I can't wait till we get modric playing again! It will be a headache for harry, but we may see modric linking up with kranjcar..
The future's so bright, it's lillywhite!
Come on u spuuu-uurs!
initially suppose to be back in action in october but now already december but still no sign of him !!
