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Tottenham boss Redknapp risking fitness of 2-goal hero Van der Vaart

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits he gambled with the fitness of two-goal Rafael van der Vaart in victory at Aston Villa.

Redknapp had considered hauling off Van der Vaart before his 10th goal of the season due to fears over collecting another injury.

"I took a gamble with him because he has had a hamstring problem, and when he gets tired he tends to get injuries," said Redknapp.

"He went to the World Cup and played bit parts all the time and probably didn't get a proper pre-season under his belt.

"So when he gets a bit fatigued he does tend to do a hamstring or something else, and that's what I was scared of.

"I probably left him on for 10 minutes longer than I was going to because when he got hold of the ball at least he would keep it.

"But he has been fantastic for us. He's a 15- to 20-goal-a-year man, and he has everything as a player. He's not just a goalscorer, but a fantastic footballer."

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