Spurs boss Harry Redknapp paid tribute to Niko Kranjcar after another match-winning display.
The Croatian midfielder scored a stunning match-winner for the second week in a row as Tottenham beat Sunderland 2-1.
He said: “I could always stick Niko somewhere else if Gareth was fit because Niko deserves his place in the team.
“He’s a top player. He practises, he spends time after training every day. Every day, he is on the training ground after he finishes doing a half-hour’s practice.
“His dad was a top player – his dad is now the manager of Montenegro. He has been brought up with the game.
“He practises, so it is not coincidence that he can strike a ball. His technique is great.”
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