Redknapp: Fans must forgive Ghaly

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has urged fans to forgive Hossam Ghaly and allow the midfielder to help the club while they are short on numbers.

Ghaly was set to make his first Spurs appearance in more than 18 months towards the end of last night’s FA Cup win over Wigan but Redknapp heard the reaction of the crowd and brought on Aaron Lennon instead.

Supporters still remember Ghaly’s last appearance when he came on as a substitute but was then replaced, leading to the 27-year-old taking off his shirt and throwing it on the floor.

“I’d have been upset if I’d been subbed as a sub,” Redknapp said.

“We need him. We all make mistakes in life. Show me someone who hasn’t made mistakes and I’ll show you a liar. Everyone deserves another chance.”

Redknapp needs Ghaly as his squad is stretched to such an extent that coach Tim Sherwood sometimes makes up the numbers in training during practice matches.

The Spurs boss admits he cannot use Ghaly if fans turn on him as it could affect the rest of the team.

“It’s difficult for the lad,” Redknapp said. “He’s been okay since I’ve been here and his attitude has been fine. I felt sorry for him.”

The third-round tie against Wigan at White Hart Lane was in the balance when Redknapp wanted to introduce Ghaly.

Spurs were 2-0 up through Roman Pavlyuchenko and Luka Modric and Redknapp was right to be wary as Wigan pulled one back through Henri Camara. It took a long-range strike from Pavlyuchenko to seal the 3-1 win.

Victory came at a cost as Darren Bent picked up a groin injury in the first half.

“He’s struggling a bit,” Redknapp said. “I don’t know for sure but he’ll be out for a little while.”

Redknapp is interested in Portsmouth’s Jermain Defoe but a meeting between Daniel Levy and Peter Storrie ended unsuccessfully.

Spurs chairman Levy and Pompey chief executive Storrie met in attempt to thrash out a deal for the England striker to return to White Hart Lane but Redknapp described them as being “miles apart” in their valuations.

Redknapp, who signed Defoe for Pompey last January, feels his former club would want more than £20m for 26-year-old.

“The two clubs are miles apart in their valuation of the player so I think we’ll have to move on,” he said.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is desperate to keep his players at the club during this month’s transfer window.

“I’ve had no contact with other clubs and I hope that continues,” he said.

He also has no doubts over keeping on-loan striker Amr Zaki at the club.

“He’s ours until June, there are no get-out clauses,” he added.