Redknapp spurred on by survival battle

HARRY REDKNAPP believes Tottenham have the steel as well as the style to claw their way out of Premier League trouble.

The Spurs boss has already seen his side score six goals and take four points, including the confidence- boosting 4-4 thriller against Arsenal at the Emirates, in his first week in charge.

And now he is backing his defence to show they can cope with the might of Premier League leaders Liverpool today and escape from the foot of the table.

Club captain Ledley King is likely to return to partner Jonathan Woodgate in the centre of defence for a match in which former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane returns to White Hart Lane.

Redknapp said: “Beating Bolton was a must last Sunday and it was a great point against Arsenal. It’s another tough game against Liverpool but we’ve got a big chance.

“I’ve seen enough this week to see we have enough there to get us out.

“Ledley is a fantastic centre-half and if he’s fit it’s a big bonus. He and Woody (Jonathan Woodgate) have been outstanding together. Hopefully they’ll be fit against Liverpool.

“To come back against Arsenal and pull it out of the fire, it was like a win.”

Redknapp admitted Liverpool represent a daunting task.

“Liverpool have the ingredients to be title contenders with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, home-grown players who have a feel for the club,” said Redknapp.

“They are a good all-round team. But I think it’s open between the big four and it will be a tight league all the way down. I think this will be the toughest Premier League ever. I also think a couple of teams could go down who no-one predicted.”

Redknapp backed his goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, who has made a series of blunders in his short Tottenham career.

He said: “Gomes has a reputation as world class. He’s brave, makes decisions and goes for the ball. He can be a big goalkeeper in the Premier League.”

Redknapp, whose only doubt is Jermaine Jenas who is suffering from a toe injury, took yesterday’s training session along with assistants Kevin Bond and Clive Allen with former Spurs midfielder Tim Sherwood looking on.

Sherwood is due to have further talks later with Redknapp who wants him to help out with the coaching, although details have yet to be confirmed.