Redknapp wary of Kean´s Rovers

Harry Redknapp knows what a challenge Blackburn present as his Tottenham team yearn for a return to the English Premier League’s top four.

Redknapp’s men – in fifth on the table – travel to Ewood Park to face Rovers, who have been guided to eighth by Steve Kean since he took over from the sacked Sam Allardyce in December.

Kean’s efforts have landed him the full-time role at Rovers, and won him the praise of Redknapp.

“That was a hard act to follow but Steve has done a good job there, got them playing really well, and it will be a tough game,” Redknapp said.

“They are playing some good stuff and are dangerous. Blackburn is never an easy place to go.”

Redknapp missed out on signing Charlie Adam and Phil Neville on the final day of the transfer window, and has sent Robbie Keane, Giovanni dos Santos and David Bentley on loan.

But he still believes Spurs can push for a top four spot.

“It won’t be any easier, for sure, now that Chelsea and others have strengthened their squads, but we will give it a go,” he said.

Wilson Palacios returns from injury but Gareth Bale is still out with a back complaint, while there could be a long-awaited return for Jonathan Woodgate.

The England defender, 31, has not played since November 2009 because of a persistent groin injury that threatened his career.

But after a long rehabilitation, which involved going to America and Australia for treatment, he could be back in action for Spurs because of major problems in the centre of Tottenham’s defence.

Ledley King is set to undergo a groin operation on Wednesday, Michael Dawson is suspended for three games after being sent off in the FA Cup defeat by Fulham on Sunday, Younes Kaboul also requires surgery and William Gallas has been struggling with a hip injury.

It means Sebastian Bassong is Redknapp’s only fully fit central defender.

“We’ve got a real problem at the back, so Jonathan Woodgate is back in the squad and I am even thinking of starting him at Blackburn,” the manager said.

“We were looking to send him on loan a couple of weeks ago, but it is just as well we held on to him because we are so short of players at centre-back.”

“He is such a fantastic player, I am dreaming that he can get back to how he was. He has only played a couple of reserve games, but I might have to throw him at the deep end.”