Parker, Spurs aim for Champions League

Tottenham recruit Scott Parker believes the Londoners have the squad to challenge for a top-four spot in the English Premier League.

Parker joined from West Ham United and could make his debut against Wolves on Saturday.

Spurs have endured a difficult start to the season – losing their first two matches to Manchester United and Manchester City to be left on the bottom of the table with a -7 goal differential.

But Parker said he believes Spurs can overcome their poor opening and compete for a Champions League spot.

“I think we have to aim for fourth spot for sure. It is difficult. There are teams that are spending a lot of money and bringing in very good players and they’ve got very good squads. It is going to be difficult but I come here and I look at the squad here and it’s certainly a squad that can be challenging,” the midfielder said.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp admitted the uncertainty surrounding the movements of midfielder Luka Modric during the transfer period upset his squad, and caused their poor performance against City.

“I’ve been around football clubs long enough in my life to know, and I could tell there were too many players here who wanted to leave, and it wasn’t creating the right atmosphere going into a new season,” Redknapp said.

“Most of those lads who wanted to leave got their moves, they moved on and I wish them well. We kept the one that we really wanted to keep, but it was definitely a problem here.”

Redknapp said he was not surprised by Wolves’ strong start to the campaign, which has seen them claim seven points from three clashes.

“I felt they’d do well this year, I must be honest. They’ve invested, I’m not going to sit here and say they haven’t. They’ve invested over the years. They’ve brought in players and Mick’s done a great job there. They’re good up front and they work very hard,” he said.

“(Former Spurs player) Jamie O’Hara has gone there and done well in midfield too. They’re a good outfit; well organised, strong team who play some good stuff. They’re a good team.”

The two sides will go head to head at Molineux.