Van der Vaart gets Spurs start at Bremen

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp named new signing Rafael van der Vaart up front for Tuesday’s opening Champions League game at Werder Bremen.

Van der Vaart, who signed from Real Madrid at the end of last month and makes his European debut for Spurs, will play just behind England striker Peter Crouch having already impressed in the Premier League.

The Dutchman caught the eye in the 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Spurs are without striker Jermain Defoe and defender Michael Dawson, who both have ligament damage.

Bremen have injury worries of their own with Germany centre-back Per Mertesacker and fellow defender Naldo injured out with injuries.

Ex-Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre will start at left-back while Petri Pasanen and Austria’s Sebastian Proedl will continue as centre-backs having helped hold Bayern Munich to a goalless draw last weekend.

Up front, Austria’s Marko Arnautovic will partner Portugal’s Hugo Almeida for Bremen in the Group A clash.

Werder Bremen: Wiese, Fritz, Pasanen, Proedl, Silvestre, Frings, Bargfrede, Wesley, Marin, Arnautovic, Hugo Almeida. Subs: Mielitz, Boenisch, Borowski, Hunt, Huseinovic, Wagner, Jensen.

Tottenham: Cudicini, Assou-Ekotto, King, Kaboul, Corluka, Huddlestone, Bale, Jenas, Lennon, van der Vaart, Crouch. Subs: Pletikosa, Pavlyuchenko, Keane, Palacios, Gallas, Bassong, Kranjcar.

Referee: Massimo Busacca (SUI)