Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dean Marney has spoken after extending his contract at White Hart Lane for two more seasons.
Marney told his club’s official website: “I am really pleased, but obviously looking to push on now.
“I gave it a little bit of thought because I am 21 now and needed to look at the best options as far as playing goes. I sat down and spoke to the gaffer who said good things – as soon as I heard that was it.
“If you get the opportunity to stay at a Premiership club where you are highly thought of there is no decision to be made really. It means a lot to me because I have been here some years now and had another taste of first team football just after Christmas.
“I want to establish myself as a regular. The next couple of years are important for me but, at the moment, I am just focusing on the next three games.”
Spurs manager Martin Jol had said earlier: “I’m very happy for him. Dean is probably one of the best footballers if you look at him pound for pound – he can shoot, he can pass, he’s got good stamina. I’ve told him one aspect he has to work on is his physique, to get stronger.
“Even when players think you’ve forgotten them, they have to work hard because the chance will come. If his chance comes, he has to be ready.”
He added: “He’s been in every squad since then [Marney's goals against Everton] but most of the time as a 17th man because as you know in England you can only pick four outfield substitiutes.
“That is a problem because if you have two strikers like we have on the bench, you also need a midfield player and that has been Sean Davis or Reto Ziegler lately. So it’s a problem for me to put him on the bench.
“I know it’s important for players like Dean to get the chance to impress but it’s not always possible.”