Crouch admits World Cup gamble at Spurs

Peter Crouch insisted on Friday that his move to Tottenham will not torpedo his hopes of playing in the World Cup finals.

The 28-year-old beanpole striker will compete with Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko for a starting place in Harry Redknapp’s Spurs line-up.

At previous club Portsmouth, he was a guaranteed starter.

“I have confidence in my own ability and that, when given the opportunities, I will take them,” said Crouch who has scored 16 goals in 34 England appearances.

“I’ve been in and out of the England side but when I’ve played I’ve always felt I’ve done well and scored goals. I’m confident that I’ll be playing every week and doing all I can to make sure I’m on that plane to South Africa (for the World Cup).

“If you want to play for England and a big club like Tottenham, you’ve got to make sure you’re scoring goals and playing well. I’ve been under that pressure however long my career has been going.

“I impose most pressure on myself. I have high expectations and I’ve got to make sure I do the business.”