Modric: No malice from Bowyer

Luka Modric does not blame Lee Bowyer for the tackle that broke the Tottenham star's leg.

Modric picked up the injury, which will keep him out for at least six weeks, at the start of the second half in Saturday's 2-1 victory for Spurs over Birmingham.

"It was not a ferocious tackle but it hurt awfully and I knew something was wrong the moment it happened," Modric told the Sun.

"It's like my whole world has crumbled because I'll be out for at least six weeks. I'm terribly sad. The worst thing is knowing that I'll be watching both my club and country from the sidelines for a while."

The 23-year-old's absence is a blow to Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who is a big admirer of the diminutive playmaker, while he will also miss Croatia's crucial World Cup qualifier against England.

Redknapp, who also saw captain Ledley King limp off as Spurs maintained their 100% start to the season, added: "You could see he was in a hell of a lot of pain and, even though Luka is not a big bloke, it takes a lot for him to have to come off.

"It's a big blow for us, we are already short of bodies in midfield but we will just have to get on with it."