Even after Danny Rose brought North London to a standstill last season with his 25-yard wonder strike to help defeat Arsenal in the biggest Premier League meeting between the two sides in years, it was no surprise to see the 20 year old being loaned out during the transfer window.
Such is talent at Harry Redknapp’s disposal across the Tottenham midfield that players such as Jermaine Jenas, David Bentley and Wilson Palacios have struggled to get much game time at all this season, so for Rose a loan move was sensible, if not inevitable.
In joining Bristol City, the hope was that Rose, under the experienced eye of players such as former England goalkeeper David James, and Premiership regulars Jon Stead and Nicky Hunt would be able to help push City towards promotion. James revealed his ambition to make City the first side from the West Country to make it into the Premier League- a genuine ambition that would have attracted Rose’s interest as he contemplated a way back into Tottenham’s first team squad.
This ambition has yet to materialise as Rose’s new club have been stuck in the Championship basement during through much of the early months of the season.
It would be fair to say that Rose has yet to fully fit in with Championship football- having only made four league appearances thus far, failing to provide any assists or goals. He has had to shake off a recurring ankle injury, and his discipline has been an issue having been booked in half of his City league appearances.
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There have, however, been some positives. Since making his England under 21 bow in the summer of 2009, Rose has been an ever present in a strong squad- his inconsistent performances at club level have not affected his place or selection for Stuart Pearce’s side. If there was need for an indication that Rose has not suddenly lost it- that he is playing alongside individuals starring in the Premier League most weeks provides it.
The club situation has begun to improve too. City went on a four match unbeaten streak, although a defeat at Rose’s former club Leeds United at the weekend did put the Ashton Gate outfit back into the Championship drop zone. As with the top flight, this year’s Championship table is incredibly tight. Only nine points separate City in 22nd and Burnley in 6th. A decent run from any of the struggling sides could catapult them into play-off contention.
Rose will be aware that things can change quickly. In six months he has gone from being the toast of White Hart Lane to being jeered by the Elland Road faithful as he returned to the club that he left under a financial cloud three years ago. His loan deal can be revoked at short notice, and whilst his sporadic appearances for struggling Bristol City are not a glowing indictment of the former Leeds United academy product, the potential he showed in 45 minutes against bitter rivals Arsenal will have Harry Redknapp thinking should Spurs suffer a midfield, mid-season injury crisis.
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