I want to stick it to Arsenal, says David Bentley

New Tottenham star David Bentley last night revved up the north London rivalry as he told the Spurs fans: "I just want to stick it up the Arsenal."

Former Arsenal man Bentley, who turned his back on Arsene Wenger in the pursuit of first-team football, returned to the capital as an England international following his £17million move from Blackburn.

And while Bentley, who admitted he was a lifelong Spurs fan, insisted he had no further axe to grind with Wenger over his Arsenal treatment, he admitted he could not wait to prove just how little he cares for the Gunners now.

Bentley said: "I can't wait to run out at Arsenal wearing a Spurs shirt. In fact, I've not been sleeping at the moment, just thinking about running out there.

"I've always wanted to play in a North London derby. It will brilliant. I know it's coming up on October 29.

"What I'd love to do is go there and score the winner against them. That would be excellent.

"I know I'll cop a bit of abuse from their fans, but that's what people go and watch football for. I'll enjoy that.

"You don't want a boring life as a footballer. You want it to be entertaining and things like that will inspire me. If you don't get a buzz off that, well..."

Bentley, who joined Arsenal at 13 and left after making just one league appearance for Wenger's men, suggested the game at the Emirates would represent "one of the best moments of my career".

And the England man did his best to become an instant White Hart Lane hero as he hinted his spell at Tottenham's bitter rivals was something he had not enjoyed because he did not really care for the club. "You know how it works - life isn't perfect all the time," added Bentley.

"I played for the Arse, as you call it. I grew up playing with a lot of talented kids. But my heart is at Tottenham. I'm a Tottenham boy, I'm happy.

"I hope Spurs are closing the gap on Arsenal. I want to be a part of that. Only performances on the pitch will achieve it.

"This club is spending money. Arsenal also have a good team. We'll see who comes out on top."

Tottenham boss Juande Ramos will get the green light to sign £19million Andrei Arshavin - after Zenit St Petersburg have secured his replacement. Zenit have offered Marseille a stunning £13m for Mathieu Valbuena to fill Arshavin's boots.

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