 Dean Richards, 30, cost �8.1m from Southampton in 2001 |
Tottenham defender Dean Richards has admitted he faces a tough battle to get back into the side even though he is fit again after a series of injuries. While the �8.1m signing has been making a comeback for the reserves, the first team have been keeping clean sheets.
"The lads have been playing very well - and have been very tight defensively," he told the club's official website.
"I am under no illusions. It is going to be very difficult for me to break straight into the team."
Richards added: "Competition for places is what every club wants and Ledley King has been playing out of his skin in the centre of defence.
"I am really pleased for him and England as well. Noureddine Naybet has also come in and is doing well and I understand I will have to be patient.
"If I get a chance I will hopefully take it but there is also Anthony Gardner to consider."
Richards was signed from Southampton by former Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle in 2001.
But the 30-year-old was, according to reports, offered to Portsmouth during the summer in a proposed deal for left-back Matthew Taylor.
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