Sebastien Bassong admits it hurt him to miss the African Nations Cup but he is hoping the decision to stay with his club helps him secure a place for the world's biggest tournament.

Bassong's omission from Cameroon's squad raised eyebrows after a big-money move from Newcastle in the summer and a solid start to his Tottenham career.

However, there was a theory behind the selection, as Paul Le Guen explained to his centre-back. Keeping him at White Hart Lane meant a run of games for Harry Redknapp's side rather than warming the bench in Angola.

Bassong wants to use his regular football at Spurs as a reason for Le Guen to take him to the World Cup this summer.

"Of course, it hurt that I didn't go to the African Nations Cup," Bassong admitted.

"I was talking with Harry (Redknapp) and Paul Le Guen, and he took his decision. He had his own reasons that he explained to me.

"If I went to the African Nations Cup I wouldn't be playing so he thought it was better for me to stay at Tottenham to compete for my place here and help them stay in the top four.

"I don't know if Harry spoke to him but it was a good thing, maybe the best thing for the club but not for Cameroon."

Spurs certainly needed cover in defence as Jonathan Woodgate was out with a long-term groin problem and Ledley King's knee problems meant he could not play matches in quick succession.

The result was helping Spurs maintain their push for a Champions League place, as well as reaching the FA Cup semi-final where they were defeated by Portsmouth.