Redknapp won´t ask for emergency Gomes replacement

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will not ask the Premier League for an emergency loan if Heurelho Gomes’ groin injury rules the Brazilian goalkeeper out of Wednesday’s crucial clash at Manchester City.

Gomes suffered the problem in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Bolton at White Hart Lane and, although he was able to finish the match, he may not recover in time for his club’s most important fixture for years.

However unlike City, who were granted permission to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Marton Fulop following a dislocated shoulder to their first-choice stopper Shay Given last week, Redknapp plans to promote reserve Ben Alnwick if Gomes is sidelined.

The clash at Eastlands could decide who will be England’s final representative in the Champions League, with a win for Spurs enough to secure fourth place.

“Gomes’ groin is sore. He’ll have a scan and see what the damage is,” Redknapp said.

“Hopefully he’ll be okay. If not, Ben would play and Jimmy Walker would be on the bench.”

Spurs are one point ahead of fifth placed City with just two matches to play, so Redknapp could also gamble on the fitness of centre-back Ledley King.

The Spurs captain rarely plays two matches in a short space of time but is hoping to feature against City after starting against Bolton.

“It was a difficult decision with Ledley,” Redknapp said. “I can get two games out of him in a week if he played, and Kevin Davies is a real handful for Bolton.

“If we didn’t win against them then Wednesday wouldn’t have been something to worry about. Ledley thinks if he gets through it he can have the full week. Hopefully the knee will settle quicker.”

Redknapp insists he and Spurs are not under pressure to deliver against City.

“I don’t feel under pressure at all,” he said. “Tottenham weren’t in the top four when I came here.

“We’ve done very well. I like the way we play and I’m proud of that. We’ll only improve. Next year we’ll be better.

“We’ve got international players so it’s not like they are lacking experience.

“They’ve been around, in World Cups and big games. It shouldn’t be a problem for them this week.”

Redknapp also expects a special evening at City, adding: “It will feel like a cup final with the atmosphere. It’s so important, that fourth place. We’re right there.”

Owen Coyle’s men, already safe from relegation, matched the hosts at times but Tom Huddlestone’s powerful 38th minute drive into the top corner settled it.

“It was the only place it could have gone in,” Coyle said.

After the winner, Gomes denied Matt Taylor twice, with one save coming in the dying moments.

Coyle added: “We were in it until the last second and Gomes made some great saves. But it took a wonder-goal to separate the teams.”

All focus now turns to the City clash, with Coyle relishing the spectacle.

“It’s made it a fantastic race and whoever finishes there will deserve it,” he said. “It’s going to go to the wire and that’s why it’s the best league in the world.

“Look at both teams and there is endless talent. I’ll probably attend myself.”