Harry set to play Modric

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is ready to strike a blow to Luka Modric’s hopes of joining Chelsea by fielding the wantaway playmaker in tonight’s Europa League play-off clash against Hearts.

Redknapp is growing tired of the speculation surrounding Modric and wants to see him turning out for Spurs soon.

Should he overcome his minor hamstring injury, Redknapp would have no qualms in throwing him into an otherwise inexperienced team to play Hearts tonight in the club’s Europa League play-off second leg.

That would mean the 25-year-old would be ineligible to play in the Champions League until February – a move which could severely diminish Chelsea’s desire to land the star given the importance they give the competition.

Redknapp, however, sees Modric as a Spurs player and will select him if he is fit, adding: “I don’t know if he will be fit, but if he is okay I would be looking to give him an hour. If he is fit he will play.”

When pushed on the effect that could have on Modric’s move to Stamford Bridge, Redknapp retorted: “We are not in the Champions League so it won’t affect us. I’m not bothered about anyone else. He is here, we love him, he is a great player and I need him back playing.”