Danny Rose admits he was close to leaving Tottenham in the summer.

The 24-year-old full-back scored in the 5-3 win against Chelsea on New Year's Day, his first at White Hart Lane since a cracker in the north London derby against Arsenal in April 2010.

Rose said: "If I'm being honest I did have a chance to go somewhere else. But when I met the gaffer two weeks before pre-season he told me he wanted me to stay here and fight for my place.

"When someone else comes in you want to know your position. But we've both had our fair share of games. I don't think you could say who is first choice at the moment.

"Of course I want to play every game, just like Ben (Davies) does. But it makes things so much easier when the person you are up against is such a nice guy and easy to get on with.

"Actually, I am thankful for Ben coming here to be honest because it has helped me improve my game and I like to think I have helped him improve as well.

"Whenever he plays I watch him and look at his game to see where I can improve mine. I cheer him on and vice versa. There is no animosity whatsoever.

"Honestly it is great to have competition like that because you find out a lot about yourself when you decide to stay and fight instead of leaving."