Holtby harbours derby hope

Lewis Holtby hopes Schalke can beat Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s Ruhr derby as they look to secure Champions League qualification.

The midfielder, who left Gelsenkirchen for Tottenham in January, played a key role in the their 2-1 away win against their rivals earlier this season, and he wants his former team to complete a Bundesliga double over the champions.

“It will be a thrilling encounter and I will keep my fingers crossed that Schalke emerge victorious,” Holtby told Goal.com.

“I want my former team-mates and friends to bag the full three points and climb to fourth place in the Bundesliga table.

“It will be a very tough game, though, because Dortmund have a very strong team. A win in the derby will silence Schalke’s critics.”