Blooming Rose is no Lennon, says Redknapp

28 January 2010

BLOSSOMING... Danny Rose

By Ben Pearce

HARRY Redknapp believes that Spurs fans should avoid comparing young star Danny Rose with Aaron Lennon, after giving the 19-year-old his first Spurs start on Saturday.

The Tottenham boss had handed the England Under-21 international two substitute appearances earlier in the season, in the Carling Cup and recently against Peterborough, and fans are already excited by what they have seen.

The pacy midfielder has featured in both FA Cup ties so far, both against his former clubs Peterborough and Leeds, and won a penalty against the Posh.

Some supporters already claim that Spurs have unearthered another Lennon, but Redknapp is unconvinced by the comparison - suggesting that Rose is slower, but harder and more versatile.

"He's a different sort of player. He hasn't got Aaron's blistering pace on him, but he's a good player, and he can play central," said the boss.

"He's a tough little lad, puts his foot in, can play central and he's quick - when he plays wide left he gets at people and put's great crosses in.

"I think he could also become a terrific left-back, but I've got two good left-backs in Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Gareth Bale. I like him, I think he's got something to offer.

"He was injured for a long spell before I came in, and then he came back and I loaned him out this year to Peterborough.

"I just think his attitude has changed. I think he's showed a good attitude, he's worked hard and he's got terrific ability."

Like Lennon, Rose began his career at Leeds before moving to White Hart Lane.

And, as Spurs look ahead to next week's FA Cup replay at Elland Road, Redknapp admits he is full of admiration for the Yorkshire outfit's youth system, which has given the Premier League - and Tottenham - some of their biggest stars.

"They've done well getting kids, there's so many in the last few years who have come through the academy there, it's been fantastic really," he said.

"Jonathan Woodgate and Alan Smith, Ian Harte, even Harry Kewell and all those boys all came through the youth policy there.

"Onto the kid who's gone to Villa, Fabian Delph. They've got a good academy there and they're doing very well with it.