Pienaar reveals deadline drama

Steven Pienaar: South Africa international sealed last-gasp loan move on deadline day

Steven Pienaar has revealed Harry Redknapp initially attempted to block his loan move back to Everton from Tottenham.

The South Africa international midfielder completed his switch to Goodison Park for the remainder of the season with just moments to spare before Tuesday's 11pm transfer deadline.

Redknapp was keen to keep Pienaar at White Hart Lane after seeing his attempts to bring in Milos Krasic from Juventus thwarted.

But the Spurs boss eventually relented at the last minute, allowing Pienaar, who was on the bench for Tuesday night's 3-1 win over Wigan, to return to the club he left in a £3million deal in January last year.

Stressful

Pienaar told Sky Sports News: "I was at a game and I was on the bench. After the game I went to see the gaffer to ask him if it was possible I could go somewhere because I need to play some football.

"At first he said no, I can't go. It was the most stressful moment.

"I had to push him to get him to say yes, and eventually it happened just 10 minutes before time.

"I was watching the game and wanting to get on, but in the meantime I was watching the clock and hoping it would slow down a little."

Opportunity

Pienaar is now looking forward to his second stint on Merseyside and is keen to help David Moyes' men build on Tuesday's victory over leaders Manchester City and push for a Europa League berth.

He added: "I just feel excited to be back and hopefully I can make the most of it and hopefully it will be a successful time.

"I'm just happy to get the opportunity to play some football again. I will make sure I fight for my place in the team and hopefully help the club get a European spot.

"It was touch and go, but to be honest if it hadn't gone through I would have still pushed for my place there (Spurs) because I'm a professional.

"It happened, I've got the opportunity to come back and play football for this great club. I'm happy and looking forward to the next few months."