Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has said that he is happy Harry Redknapp will not be leaving White Hart Lane.

The 65-year-old had been touted as favourite to replace Fabio Capello as manager of England before Roy Hodgson got the job earlier this week.

Van der Vaart described his boss as a "special" manager and said that it is important he stay at Spurs.

"I think everybody is happy about it. He is a special manager," said the Dutchman. "He's doing a fantastic job, and it's important for any club that a manager stays as long as possible, especially here.

"He always gives you a lot of confidence and it is not as though he is on your case the whole time. He talks with the players, we are really happy with him, and we want to fight for him."

Van der Vaart moved to Spurs from Real Madrid in 2010.