Niko Kranjcar has admitted his match-winning cameo against Bolton is unlikely to earn him a starting spot.

Spurs midfielder frustrated by lack of action

Hardest season

Niko Kranjcar has admitted his match-winning cameo against Bolton is unlikely to be rewarded with a place in the starting XI for Tottenham's next match. The Croatian midfielder has had limited opportunities over the past 12 months following the emergence of Gareth Bale and was heavily linked with a move away from White Hart Lane in January. But he rejected the chance to join Werder Bremen and offered manager Harry Redknapp a reminder of his abilities on Saturday with a decisive contribution as a substitute. The 26-year-old only came on with 12 minutes remaining but found the target with a sensational late strike to seal a crucial 2-1 victory against Owen Coyle's men. Kranjcar nevertheless expects to be back on the bench for the clash with Sunderland next Saturday as he continues to bide his time and wait for more regular action. "Listen, I don't think for 10 minutes that one goal is going to change my position. It's what you do throughout the season," he told the. "I'd be a fool to stand here and say that because I scored the winner against Bolton that I deserve to play now."Kranjcar recognises that competition for places is fierce and is prepared to keep working hard to force his way into the team, although he admits it has been a difficult period on the sidelines. "There was a lot of frustration behind that goal," he added. "I haven't been playing for a whole year so for myself, for the lads, it was a great moment. "Of course we all want to play. There's always frustration, but the most important thing was that we won and we're still in the chase for a Champions League place. "It's been the hardest season for me. I went away for the internationals and scored five goals in three games. "You feel like you're playing the best football of your life and it's hard. "But we've got such a great squad, such unbelievably talented players that it's hard to play everyone. "You have to stay fit, keep trying, not let your head go and wait for the chance which you hope you're going to get - and luckily I got it. "But it won't be a shock to me if I'm back on the bench after this. I'm used to it after this season." Kranjcar concedes that he will have to reconsider his options at the end of the season if he is still playing only a minor role. He added: "If the minutes don't come, the situation doesn't change, then we will see what will happen in the summer."