Sudden Impact
You might think that it was a suitable idea for a Hollywood script. Football star makes big money move to big club. Finds himself out of favour. Comes on in game tied at nil-all. Scores goal to break deadlock and then sets up a second goal a minute later.
But for Darren Bent it is real life and comments he has been accredited as making over the Easter weekend indicate that he might not be satisfied with the role he is being given to play.
Unfortunately for Bent, the casting director is not one who is basking in glory over some of his players in this story. Currently, the new producer of the next Spurs team is looking at the cast list and will be picking those he believes has star quality to star in forthcoming attractions next season.
For the former Charlton Athletic striker, the on-pitch time is limited and he sees himself type-cast as the “new Jermain Defoe.” Well, at the moment, the producer is looking at the best way to get a performance out of the star man. It did seem to work out on this occasions, as his two supporting lead men – Berbatov and Keane – stayed alongside him in the final scenes and he was supplied the lines by promising back-up Tom Huddlestone.
Chasing his dream of a ball over the top, he ran into the left wing position and produced a telling ball as an assistant for young idol Jamie O’Hara to notch his debut Premier League strike.
It was the feel-good ending Spurs fans had been hoping for with Portsmouth donning the curly moustache and black hat to set out their defence of their goal with every last ounce of effort. But “Hangdog” Harry Redknapp’s troops could not hold out at the Alamo forever. A Keystone Kops moment almost ensued when Keane hid behind a goalpost to rush out and nearly nip the ball off James’ toe, but it was the big finish that earned Spurs the rave reviews and Pompey had that sinking feeling. The South Coast club are obviously going for the big return to Wembley, with a crock of gold awaiting at the end of that particular rainbow, should they find success.
But meanwhile, back at the ranch …
Some of the action Bent has had so far this season has been consigned to the cutting room floor. The move to a different level has left him lacking exposure and also being put in the shade by his fellow players. For all his exploits in his Charlton Athletic B movie roles, he has found it difficult to find his motivation as he has been introduced in the closing stages of each performance.
But he has made a difference when he has been put in the spotlight. His goals are attainable and are mounting up as the season continues, but this may not be what he sees as his chance to win the golden globes. One piece of silverware in his first season isn’t bad going, but with ambition riding high, he might choose to ride of into the sunset.
Wyart Lane
My Eyes Have Seen The Glory
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