Tom Huddlestone hints at Tottenham Hotspur exit

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone has suggested that he may be forced to leave the club in the summer in search of regular first-team football.

The 26-year-old, who made a big impact when coming off the bench in their 3-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday, has failed to start a game for the North Londoners since November and has been limited to a bit-part role at the club.

Huddlestone, who allegedly came close to joining Fulham in January, admits that he may have to leave White Hart Lane for the good of his career.

"There are times when I think I might need a move, especially if you don't play for a few months," Huddlestone told ESPN. "The manager has reassured me that I am in his plans, even though time-wise on the pitch, it hasn't always been shown that way. You speak to the manager every day and if you are not playing for a sustained period then you do wonder what's going on.

"I am 26 now. I missed a year to 18 months through injury. You just want to play every game and if that opportunity is not at Tottenham, then I will have to look elsewhere. It's been a frustrating few months. There was talk about a move to Fulham, although nothing came that close to happening.

"You can't really judge it over the last five games or whatever. You've got to see the bigger picture throughout the whole season and speak to the manager and see if you're in his plans or not. I guess it's just a case of biding your time and if you are given a slight opportunity towards the end of games try and prove to the manager that you should be in the starting side as well."

Huddlestone joined the club from Derby County in 2005.