Harry Redknapp's appointment at the end of October saw Rocha among the players given a squad number and told to train with the first team again after being left in the cold by former manager Juande Ramos.

However, Rocha has still not played in more than a year after failing to win his place back following ankle surgery.

The 30-year-old said: "I have not played since I was injured and had my surgery, so for me the most important thing is to start playing again because I miss playing at the highest level. I have played a few games for the reserves but it's not the same.

"I have to be patient because I'm an experienced player and I know how things are. We have a fantastic team with fantastic players, so it's not easy for me or any player to play every single week.

"But, of course, I haven't played for one year. I don't know what my future will be but I just want to do my best every day and the coach has to decide who plays."