HARRY Redknapp has hinted that Giovani Dos Santos could finally get a run at the first team following Jamie O Hara s departure to Portsmouth on loan. The Mexican midfielder was given his third competitive start under Redknapp in the 5-1 Carling Cup victor

HARRY Redknapp has hinted that Giovani Dos Santos could finally get a run at the first team following Jamie O'Hara's departure to Portsmouth on loan.

The Mexican midfielder was given his third competitive start under Redknapp in the 5-1 Carling Cup victory over Doncaster.

And, after taking O'Hara's place on the bench against Birmingham at the weekend, Giovani could now get the chance to impress.

"He played the other night and did very well," said Redknapp. "He looked lively at Doncaster, so hopefully he can continue in that form.

"He's had a good spell with the Mexican national team, he was the player of the tournament recently [in the CONCACAF Gold Cup] so he looks like he's certainly got something to offer and he's got a part to play here.

"If he continues in that form, if he dedicates himself to being a top player, then there's no reason why he can't do that. He's got all the ability, but it's up to him now."

Giovani arrived last summer as a 4.7million recruit from Barcelona and was billed as an attacking midfielder who would supply pace, flair and goals.

However, having featured in seven of Spurs' disastrous opening eight league matches under Juande Ramos, the 20-year-old disappeared as soon as Redknapp arrived.

Giovani made just three further appearances for Spurs before a loan spell at Ipswich, but he could now get a second shot at Tottenham's first-team squad in the coming months.