Manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that Benoit Assou-Ekotto has flattered to deceive since arriving at QPR.

The former Tottenham boss signed Assou-Ekotto on a season-long loan from the north London club in the summer along with Niko Kranjcar, who joined from Dynamo Kiev and previously also played under Redknapp at Spurs.

Both players have failed to consistently produce their best form and Assou-Ekotto, who was sent off in the recent defeat at Leicester, has turned in a number of indifferent displays during the second half of the season.

“He’s been up and down. I don’t think he’s found the level he had at Tottenham,” said Redknapp.

“I was watching a bit of the 2010 season on Sky, it just happened to come on.

“It was Benoit playing for Tottenham, going down the left and crossing balls – he crossed one and funny enough Niko scored.

“For me he was in the best three left-backs in the Premier League when he was at Tottenham. I don’t think he’s quite reached the heights, but let’s hope that in the play-offs he’ll be a big player for us.

“I think he’s found the change between the Premier League and Championship difficult.”

Assou-Ekotto, 30, is available again after serving a ban but Redknapp has other options at left-back in Clint Hill, Armand Traore and Yun Suk-Young.

See also: Assou-Ekotto could face an FA ban

Assou-Ekotto should not be banned - boss

Assou-Ekotto sent off as Rangers lose again

QPR v Millwall player ratings

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