Modric hails Kranjcar capture

Modric, an influential figure in Spurs' perfect start to the season in which Harry Redknapp's side have won all four of their Premier League games, is now sidelined for around six weeks after breaking his leg in the 2-1 win against Birmingham City.

However, the loss of the Croat was quickly eased by the arrival of another in the form of Kranjcar, who became the third Portsmouth player to join Redknapp in North London - following Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch - from Fratton Park since January.

And Modric is confident his fellow countryman will prove a huge success at Tottenham, and should adapt to life at White Hart Lane comfortably in the company of himself, another Croatian international Vedran Corluka and his former Pompey colleagues.

"Niko knows everything about English football and he won't need long to settle, especially with myself and Charlie [Corluka] already here and of course he knows Jermain [Defoe] and Crouchy [Peter Crouch] from Portsmouth," he told the club's official website.

"He speaks perfect English as well. He's a great player and a great person. I'm glad because it means I will play with him and Charlie in the same team. He's a fantastic player and he will help us.

"He's strong on the ball, has great vision and is a great passer of the ball. He's a dangerous player."

Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.