Gomes proving his worth, says Redknapp

TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp was assured by Guus Hiddink and Tony Adams that Heurelho Gomes was among the best in the world — and he is seeing it for himself this season.

Gomes took time to adapt to the Barclays Premier League when he arrived from PSV Eindhoven at the start of the last campaign, with Redknapp looking at goalkeepers to bring in after a string of blunders from the Brazilian.

Helped by goalkeeping coach Tony Parks, Gomes has been consistently good this season and on Wednesday evening produced a string of saves to inspire a famous win over rivals Arsenal and keep Spurs in the hunt for a Champions League place.

Next up is title-chasing Chelsea, who arrive at White Hart Lane today and will need to find a way past Redknapp’s in-form stopper.

“He’s up there with the very best,” Redknapp said. “When he came here Tony Adams, who had worked in Holland, said they’d signed the best goalkeeper in the world.

“I watch Dutch football on TV and it’s a completely different game and it took him time to adjust. He’s had a couple of dicky moments but ever since then he has got better and better and some of the saves on Wednesday, particularly a couple from Robin van Persie and from Sol Campbell were vital saves.”

The Spurs boss added: “I always knew he had the ability. I spoke to Guus Hiddink and he said he nearly took them to a Champions League final in 2005, he’s that good.”

Gomes effectively ended Arsenal’s title hopes and he could throw a spanner in the works for Chelsea this weekend, even though Hiddink’s former club look favourites for the title.

Getting a result has been complicated by “one or two key injuries”.

Danny Rose has a slight knee concern while Niko Kranjcar is out of the season following an ankle injury that needs an operation. He picked up the injury against Portsmouth in the FA Cup semi-final but carried on playing.