Redknapp sees Spurs back in the big time

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes Leeds could return to the Premier League within two seasons.

After relegation from the top flight in 2004, Leeds are currently in League One but take a break from their promotion campaign this weekend and face Spurs at White Hart Lane tonight in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

“They are a big club, with crowds of 30,000,” said Redknapp. “They have a great chance of coming up and Simon Grayson has done a great job there.

“They could go through a league next year and it could carry them into the Premier League easily. They could be back where they were.”

Redknapp expects Simon Grayson’s side to offer a stern challenge this evening. Aaron Lennon will miss the tie against his former club as he has a groin injury - but another ex-Elland Road winger, Danny Rose, could make his first start for Spurs.

“I loaned him out to Peterborough earlier this year but his attitude has changed, he’s worked hard and he’s got terrific ability,” said Redknapp.

Rose’s opportunity could be interpreted as a blow for David Bentley, with Redknapp hinting at the winger struggling in training.

“He is here and he has to work hard to get in the team,” Redknapp said. “That is all I ask them to do, come in every day and train hard, work hard.

“They have a fantastic living so it is not a lot to ask, is it? Come in every day and train hard and show a good attitude.”

Attitude is not a problem he finds with Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar, who has been ahead of Bentley in the pecking order while Lennon has been sidelined.

“Niko works hard, trains hard and never gives a minute’s problem – no attitude,” Redknapp said.

“Luka Modric is the same. That is what I enjoy about still being in football, players who want come in every day and train and enjoy it and play well. That is really what keeps me going in it.”

Ledley King is set to be rested, while fellow defenders Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Jonathan Woodgate both have groin problems.

Redknapp is looking at Palermo’s Simon Kjaer to bolster numbers at the back but has not made a bid, and he is also an admirer of Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini.

The Spurs boss described his interest in Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra as “not a priority” now Jamie O’Hara has returned from his loan at Portsmouth.