Veteran Delap revels in late Euro journey

RORY Delap is relishing being a part of Stoke’s European adventure so late in his career.

Since the 35-year-old midfielder joined the Potters – initially on loan in 2006 and then permanently the following year – the club have enjoyed incredible success, securing promotion to thePremier League, establishing themselves as a force in the top flight over the past three seasons and last term reaching the FA Cup final.

Delap, who scored in Saturday’s 2-0 league win over Fulham, remains very much a key figure in the team and the long-throw specialist is grateful to manager Tony Pulis for keeping faith in him.

“I was involved with Southampton when we got to Europe, but we were knocked out after one round,” Delap said. “When I came to the club, the gaffer said this is where he wanted to be and asked who wanted to be with him, and he and the chairman have kept their promises.”

Rose gets nod for Rubin test

Danny Rose hopes to persuade Harry Redknapp that he is |good enough to oust Benoit Assou-Ekotto as Tottenham’s first-choice left-back tonight, |by starring in the club’s Europa League group game against Rubin Kazan.

Rose said: “My ultimate aim |is to be in the starting XI on a Saturday. I got in the team for the last four games of last season and did well. I started all right in pre-season and was unlucky to get the injury.

Meanwhile, Fulham boss Martin Jol is looking forward to facing fellow Dutchman Robert Maaskant when Fulham go head to head with Wisla Krakow in the Europa League tonight.

The most recent clash between the duo ended 1-1 in January 2010, and Jol was quick to praise his managerial counterpart and said: “I think Wisla is a good challenge for him.”Chris Hughton’s Birmingham, meanwhile, travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge in their Group H clash.

Spurs v Rubin Kazan, Live, Setanta Ireland (ko 8.05)