The Brazil international, who turned 22 on Tuesday, had only made six senior starts before he was thrown into the starting XI in the first leg against AC Milan at the San Siro last month. The combative player performed well, breaking up the opposition's play against a midfield that included Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso and Mathieu Flamini, before excelling again in the return leg to help Spurs through to the last eight. The £6.5million summer signing from Internacional is glad that he was patient in his wait to enter Harry Redknapp's thoughts, and is determined to make the most of his chance and star in the club's remaining matches. "I know I have had to wait for my opportunity but it came in a big match against AC Milan," Sandro told Tottenham's official website. "I was happy with my performances and I feel like I am part of the family at Spurs. "I really enjoyed the moment with the Spurs supporters and the team, but this is in the past now and we're looking to the future and the next match." Tottenham have slipped behind Chelsea in the race for fourth place in the Premier League recently thanks to a defeat at Blackpool and a draw at Wolves. They currently trail the Blues by three points with 10 matches left and their plight could be worsened if the hamstring injury that William Gallas is reported to have suffered on Tuesday is confirmed later. Sandro is confident that Spurs are good enough to finish fourth though and has challenged his team-mates to deliver one final push to make sure they end the season well, starting with Saturday's match against local rivals West Ham at White Hart Lane. "I know there are big matches coming up now so we need to keep our concentration for both the Premier League and Champions League. We have a good squad with many qualities and everybody knows their responsibilities to do everything well," he added. "I know this derby with West Ham is a very important match. "For me it's about keeping my concentration and my position in the team, so I hope to be successful in this next match." Meanwhile, the club announced that striker Jonathan Obika has been recalled from his loan spell at Swindon two months early.
