Bright fears Spurs new boy Modric could turn out to be another Rebrov

And Bright even compared their new signing to Sergei Rebrov the Ukrainian forward that signed for £11m in 2000 but started just 37 league games in his unhappy four years at White Hart Lane.

Playmaker Modric scored a penalty after four minutes as Croatia were unimpressive in their 1-0 victory over a spirited Austria side.

Centre of attention: Luka Modric's move to Tottenham has put him in the spotlight for fans in England

Bright, writing in Metro, said: "I watched the game with a view to running the rule over Tottenham’s new £16million midfielder Luka Modric but I was very disappointed.

"After an okay first half, in which he scored the only goal from the penalty spot, he looked poor and based on that showing, Spurs might have another Sergei Rebrov on their hands."

The comments seem an unlikely concern on the basis of one game with Modric one of his country's star performers for a number of years, and the two-footed schemer was hardly the only player to flag for the Croats in their opening game.

Modric's Croatia team-mate Portsmouth's Niko Kranjcar for one sees things differently.

"I really do think Luka is going to impress in the Premier League as well.

"His style will suit Tottenham. Spurs have a Spanish manager and with the way they play and the players they have, I think the club will suit him perfectly – especially at home.

"I'm sure Tottenham know exactly what they've got and why they bought him. I really don't think he's going to have many problems."