Tottenham midfielder Steven Pienaar has revealed the drama surrounding his eleventh-hour loan move to Everton.

The South African secured a deadline-day move to his former club after talks with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.

The winger admitted that clinching a move away was a difficult process but insisted, should he have had to stay, he would have done so obligingly as a professional.

"I was at a game and I was on the bench," he told Sky Sports News, referring to Spurs' 3-1 victory over Wigan Tuesday.

"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."

Pienaar begins his second stint at Goodison Park under David Moyes having played 133 times for the Blues from 2007-2011 before his move last January.

But he insists he would have kicked on at Spurs if he had to, as he is more concerned over playing football above all else.

"I'm just happy to get the opportunity to play some football again," he said.

"I will make sure I fight for my place in the team and hopefully help the club get a European spot.

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

"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."

Pienaar is now set to face Wigan for the second game in a row as Everton travel to face the Latics in their next fixture.

/football on Youtube brings you the latest football news, tran