A string of excellent performances on Blackburn's right wing, and flattering comparisons with David Beckham, made this talented winger one of the Premier League's hottest properties during the 2007/08 season and persuaded Tottenham to part with £15 million in July that year.

However, Bentley's form suffered following his high-profile move to Spurs, possibly due to the pressure of expectation, and the emergence of Aaron Lennon meant he slipped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane. It looked like he was on his way out following a row with manager Harry Redknapp in December 2009 but no transfer deal was struck and Bentley returned to the first team fold by the end of the season.

Bentley came through ranks at Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, making his debut in January 2003, and despite playing both Premier League and Champions League football failed to establish himself as a regular and handed in a transfer request in 2006 to join Blackburn Rovers.

Under manager Mark Hughes Bentley became a key figure on the right flank at Ewood Park. He ended the 2006/07 Premier League season with seven goals and 13 assists and the following campaign scored eight goals and provided 13 assists.

His talent was recognised by England manager Steve McClaren and was called up for an England-B match in 2007 but later tarnished his reputation after pulling out of Stuart Pearce's Under-21 squad. When he finally made his senior debut in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel he was jeered by some of the fans due to his previous refusal to play for the U21s.

Strengths: Can deliver a cross with pin-point accuracy and is also a dead ball specialist. Played as a second striker during his youth and as a consequence has an eye for goal.

Weaknesses: Lacks pace and has never rediscovered the form that earned him his first England cap whilst at Blackburn Rovers.

Career high: In his first match after signing for Blackburn he scored a hat trick in a 4-3 victory against Manchester United.

Career low: Being booed by the England fans on his senior international debut.

Style: Models his game on David Beckham's and loves to make eye-catching passes.

Quotes: "He's a great crosser of the ball, great ability on the ball. He's not Beckham, he's Bentley. He's really got to kick that one into touch." Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp

Trivia: In January 2006, Bentley became the first player in the history of the Premier League to score three goals in one game against Manchester United.