Redknapp: Spurs only protecting key playmaker

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has played down talk of a rift with midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart following the Dutchman's disappointment at being dropped from the club's Europa League squad without notification.

The player stirred controversy in the British media yesterday by insisting that the Spurs should have consulted him before taking the decision, particularly given the manner in which he has quickly recovered from a recent injury.