Luka Modric admits he's excited playing in the same Tottenham midfield as Rafael van der Vaart.

Modric admitted he was getting up to full speed after suffering a couple of knocks this season and that the pair should complement each other perfectly.

"Rafa is an exceptional player and he's showed that since he came to the club," he told the Spurs website.

"He's a great signing. He's played at great clubs, Ajax, Hamburg, Real Madrid and I think he can give more quality to the team."

Harry Redknapp admitted immediately after Van der Vaart's arrival that he couldn't wait to watch him combine with Modric.

"It's not hard to play well with that kind of player and I'm happy he's here with us," added Modric who played the full 90 minutes as Croatia beat Israel 2-1 on Saturday.

"For me, I'm a little out of rhythm, I've had a couple of injuries this season and I'm not yet back into my rhythm but in a couple of games I'll settle down and play better.

"I just need to be fitter. It's been hard for me because I've had a couple of injures but in a couple of matches I'll be back into full shape."