Redknapp ready for acid test of Spurs´ credentials

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admits his side face the acid test of their ability to gatecrash the Premier League’s top four as they prepare for crunch clashes against Manchester United and Chelsea.

Redknapp’s team have made their best start to a season for 49 years after recording four consecutive victories and the north Londoners sit second in the table ahead of Saturday’s visit from reigning champions United.

A victory over Liverpool on the opening weekend suggests Spurs now have the character as well as the skill to match the English game’s big guns and possibly finish in the top four.

But Redknapp knows the confidence from such a good start could evaporate if they lose to United and then Chelsea next weekend.

“I would take four points from the next two games,” he said. “We would all start believing if we did that but it’s two tough games.

“They’re two of the top four sides in Europe. But we’ve given everyone a game since I’ve been here, especially at home.”

Apart from one near-miss during Martin Jol’s reign, Tottenham have often failed to deliver on their potential. But Redknapp believes his squad are capable of finally ending the club’s wait for Champions League action.

“We’ve got to aim to try and do that,” Redknapp said. “It’s time for someone to do it. Aston Villa are looking strong with the signings they have made, Everton will be pushing and Manchester City look strong. But it’s possible for someone to do it and why not Spurs?

“A European place would be good, but a Champions League place would be even better.”

Key to Tottenham’s revival under Redknapp has been the more professional approach demanded by the boss.

He has addressed the issue of drinking among his squad since his arrival, which he feels is part of the positive attitude now infusing the club.

“We’ve got good players and characters now and they’ve made a big difference in terms of playing and in terms of how professional they are, dedicating themselves to being top players,” he said.

“They’re playing with confidence and we’re building a good spirit, they are pulling together and winning is a good feeling.

“It’s nice to hear people saying nice things to you. They don’t want to go through what happened at the beginning of last season when people were saying bad things.

“The atmosphere is different when you are winning. The place is buzzing. When things aren’t going so well it’s obviously very different.

“It’s a nice place to be around at the moment. Competition for places is important as well, everyone knows they have to play well at the moment. There’s competition everywhere, at the back, on the wings and up front.”