The Brazilian was signed by Juande Ramos from Hertha Berlin in January, but failed to impress in his first start against PSV Eindhoven, and was substituted at half-time.

He has made limited appearances since that match in February, but finally played a full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane last weekend.

my birthday

"It feels good and I'm very happy," Gilberto said.

"It's my first 90 minutes after three months at the club and I thought I played well.

"I think I can play better, but there's two more matches left of the season and hopefully I can play both of them.

"I've played four times for the reserves and it was good for me because I played the full 90 minutes each time and it helped my fitness.

"But to play 90 minutes was great for me, especially because it was my birthday the day before, so it was like a gift for me!"