Harry Redknapp admits Rafael Van der Vaart wants to be subbed each game in order to protect him from injury.

The Tottenham midfielder has only played the full the full 90 minutes twice this season, with both appearances coming prior to his hamstring injury against Manchester City in August.

However, Redknapp has confessed the Dutchman has asked to be replaced in the four games he has been subbed in order to protect him from injury when fatigue begins to set in.

“Rafa often comes off because he wants to. There is a weakness in his hamstrings,” Redknapp told The Sun.

“He runs himself ragged for much of the game but problems can occur when fatigue sets in and he gets too tired.”