Modric: I have something to offer Real Madrid

Los Blancos' summer signing insists he can justify the huge investment made in him following the winter break, after a disappointing start to his career at the Santiago Bernabeu

Luka Modric has promised to win over Jose Mourinho in the second half of the season as Real Madrid attempt to claw back some ground on the runaway Liga leaders Barcelona.

The former Tottenham playmaker, pivotal at White Hart Lane, has often underwhelmed since swapping England for Spain last August.

Although the 27-year-old has started just eight league games and registered a solitary goal since completing his €37 million transfer, Modric insists he has a contribution to make to the team, despite being voted the worst signing of the season in Spain in a poll conducted by Marca.

"I have had a few good performances, if not in every game, but I believe I can prove I have something to offer," Modric told Sportske.

The diminutive midfielder has been kept out of the side by the likes of Xabi Alonso along with German pair Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira.

The trio were central to Madrid's title win last season, but Modric has played down notions that he has been overawed by the challenge of breaking into such an established set-up.

"It is very challenging to adapt to life at a big club like Madrid, but I'm not the kind of person to make excuses," Modric said.

"This is Real Madrid and I understand there is great pressure for new signings to succeed here."