Kranjcar content to stay at Spurs

NIKO KRANJCAR insists he will not leave Tottenham this month and claims he is not worried about losing his place in Croatia’s Euro 2012 squad despite his lack of game time this season.

Kranjcar made just his 10th appearance of the season yesterday as Tottenham’s second-string beat League Two side Cheltenham 3-0 to secure their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Kranjcar was highly impressive, dictating play from the centre of the park and causing the minnows problems with his skilful passing. He has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane in the transfer window, with Everton, Sunderland and Lazio all reportedly keen to secure the midfielder’s signature.

Regular football would boost his chances of guaranteeing his place in Croatia’s Euro 2012 squad, as Croatia face the Republic of Ireland in their opening game. Kranjcar is in no hurry to leave Spurs, however.

“I still believe my future is here,” Kranjcar said.

“I know the next few months I want to stay, get in shape and hopefully have a good Euro 2012.

“The club have been great with me since I came. If I don’t play here I still hope to be in good shape for the Euros.

“I would hope to prove myself in the friendlies before the tournament. That’s why I’m staying. I hope to prove that I deserve my place in the national team. The manager (Slaven Bilic) has stuck by me all the way through.”

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp does expect Giovani Dos Santos to leave the club this month, however, despite seeing the Mexico forward score one and set up two other goals in the 3-0 win over Cheltenham.

The Mexican saw Jermain Defoe effectively steal a goal off him when the England striker coasted in to the box and tapped home the youngster’s goal-bound effort from barely a yard.

But Dos Santos then helped Defoe set up Roman Pavlyuchenko for Tottenham’s second before adding a third of his own at the death with a clever lob.

“I think Gio will move if we get the right player [to replace him],” Redknapp said. “He’s got talent, he’s got ability, he just needs to work harder in training and get fitter.”

Everton ground out a 2-0 win over Blue Square Premier League side Tamworth at Goodison Park with goals from Johnny Heitinga and a Leighton Baines penalty but there was bad news for Ireland winger Seamus Coleman, who limped off with a recurrence of his thigh problem.

Stoke came from behind to run out 3-1 winners over League Two Gillingham. Danny Kedwell put the Gills in front before Ireland striker Jonathan Walters levelled for Stoke 10 minutes before the break.

Cameron Jerome put the Premier League side ahead before Robert Huth headed Wilson Palacios’ corner past Gills keeper Ross Flitney for the third.

Swindon caused a massive upset as Paulo Di Canio’s League Two side came from behind to beat Premier League Wigan 2-1 at the County Ground. Paul Benson’s struck the Robins’ winner in the 76th minute.

Stevenage maintained their reputation as giant-killers as they beat Championship side Reading 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium.

Bolton escaped embarrassment as David Wheater’s header saw them salvage a replay against League Two Macclesfield in a 2-2 draw.

Top-flight Swansea also had to come from behind as they beat Championship side Barnsley 4-2. Ricardo Vaz Te put the home side ahead but Angel Rangel hit back for Swansea 90 seconds later.

Danny Graham blasted the Swans ahead in the first minute of the second half before Nathan Dyer scored.

Vaz Te netted his second of the game, and 12th of the season, but Graham’s 89th minute goal sealed victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Championship leaders Southampton came from behind to beat Coventry 2-1, with Aaron Martin’s 82nd-minute header sealing the win.

Clint Dempsey scored a hat-trick as Fulham avoided a potential upset against Charlton as they ran out 4-0 winners at Craven Cottage. Damien Duff added the fourth to seal a convincing win.

Heidar Helguson’s 89th-minute equaliser salvaged a replay for QPR as they drew 1-1 against MK Dons, although it wasn’t enough to save Neil Warnock’s job, sacked 24 hours later.

Norwich were convincing winners as they beat Championship side Burnley 4-1 at Carrow Road.

Aston Villa beat Bristol Rovers 3-1 at the Memorial Stadium. Marc Albrighton, Gabby Agbonlahor and Ciaran Clark gave Villa a comfortable lead, Scott McGleish pulled one back.

Corkman Colin Doyle kept Birmingham in the competition as he produced a brilliant injury-time save from Steven Fletcher as the Blues held Wolves scoreless at St Andrew’s.