Jenas desperate to keep Spurs starting spot

Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas is pleading with Harry Redknapp to keep him in the side for the London derby against West Ham even though Luka Modric is fit again.

Jenas, 27, looked to be heading out of the exit door at White Hart Lane after failing to secure a regular first team place.

But with Wilson Palacios struggling to find his best form and Modric having missed the last three games with a leg injury, the England midfielder has been handed a recall to the side.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes Jenas was outstanding against Werder Bremen and Wolves and now has a major decision to make on whether to keep him in the side.

Modric has now returned to training and is certain to make an immediate return, but Jenas feels he has done enough to keep his place in the team.

Jenas said: "It's been quite difficult for me not being involved as much I'd like, but I've been in full support of the team while working hard day in, day out, waiting for a chance.

"I was fortunate to get that against Bremen. Now I have to hope that the manager will stick with me, but it's the same for all the players, we all get rotated.

"It's all part of the process and it's a long hard season, so we've all got to be ready to play whenever we are called upon.

"Without any doubt, this is the best squad the club have had since I've been here and, if you ask me, in terms of strength in depth I think we've got the best squad in the league."