Tottenham midfielder David Bentley open to extending stay in Russia

David Bentley had not made an appearance for Tottenham since November 2010 (Getty Images)

Tottenham midfielder David Bentley has not ruled out the possibility of staying at FC Rostov beyond January.

Bentley joined the Russian club on a six-month loan deal last week after manager Andre Villas-Boas made it clear to the midfielder that he was not part of his first-team plans.

Rostov, who are fourth from bottom of the Russian league, was a surprise destination for the winger, but he admitted he could stay longer should he enjoy his time at the club.

"Long term, we will see what happens," Bentley told Sky Sports News.

"I am going there to hopefully enjoy my football. If things work out, then we will see what happens from there."

The 28-year-old joined Spurs for £15million in 2008, but barely featured under Harry Redknapp and was loaned out to Birmingham and West Ham, although his time at Upton Park was quickly cut short due to a serious knee injury.

The former Blackburn man featured for Tottenham in pre-season under Villas-Boas, but the Portuguese decided to offload the winger after signing Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele before the transfer window shut.

"You always hope," Bentley said. "But there has been a lot of water under the bridge at Tottenham with me.

"I had the injury last year, I was out for a season, and there were a lot of good players there ahead of me.

"You always live with that hope in pre-season but it was not to be. I am looking to play some games and we will see where we go from there."

PA