ADEL TAARABT set off for Morocco's World Cup qualifier with Gabon in Casablanca with a spring in his step on Monday - and with an assurance from Harry Redknapp that is still very much a wanted man at Spurs.
The midfielder, who turns 20 in May, bagged his first goal in English football on Saturday to give Rangers a 2-1 home win over Bristol City.
His simple close-range tapin from a Damien Delaney cross eight minutes from time capped another eye-catching performance that had Rangers fans purring at the Loft End, where the goal was scored.
Taarabt made his Rangers debut as a sub in the 0-0 draw at Southampton a fortnight ago and had a great home debut against Swansea last week before his latest contribution.
Taarabt has made only nine appearances for Tottenham since a move from French club Lens in January 2007.
But it seems unlikely that the teenager will be at Rangers beyond this season, just because he is finally get
ting the chance to play regularly. He sees his loan spell at Loftus Road as very much a stepping-stone to first team action at White Hart Lane next season.
"[Spurs boss] Harry Redknapp was there for the game against Swansea in midweek and he wants me back there as a first-teamer," Taarabt told the Gazette.
"He told me: 'Prove to people what you can do and come back stronger' and hopefully that is what I'm doing.
"He sent me out to QPR because they are a club who like to play good football and it's practical because they are a London club and I don't need to move home to play here."
Taarabt continued: "I think the fans here appreciate skilful players who shine and like to shoot with both feet.
"I'm trying to make them happy and it's going well so far.
"It's been good for me to show what I'm capable of. I scored today and it was important to play 90 minutes and much better than playing 15 or 20 minutes as a substitute.
"It was my first goal in competitive football and that gave me great pleasure, especially as it gave us the three points.
"I never doubted my own ability and I feel I can hold my own at Tottenham where they have a squad full of internationals.
"I just want to show them now and to anyone else who is interested in me, what I'm capable of. I'm hoping to return to Spurs and play in their first team, or if not them, then another Premier League team or maybe even a French or Spanish team."
The Moroccan added: "That's two wins since I arrived and I'm very happy, especially as it's not easy adapting to the different level.
"It's hard to focus when you drop down from the Premier League to the Championship because it's not the same style of play.
"It's more physical, but you have more time on the ball and I'm learning to adapt. It's not a problem of technique, just a question of getting used to the new way of playing."
