Harry Redknapp has admitted he could do without tomorrow night's Uefa Cup tie with Shakhtar Donetsk but says it could prove a platform for his kids to shine.

The Tottenham boss again spelt out that his priorities this season are to remain in the Premier League and to try to win Sunday's Carling Cup Final against Manchester United.

Redknapp fielded a shadow side in the first leg of the last 32 tie with youngsters such as Jon Bostock, Dean Parrett and Chris Gunter getting a runout.

Spurs lost that match in Ukraine 2-0 but Redknapp is planning to do the same again so he can rest his top players for the weekend clash at Wembley.

"How do you play on the Thursday night ahead of a cup final?" asked the Spurs manager. "It used to be unheard of and you were able to go away for two or three days, maybe to Blackpool!

"But we worked hard to get into the UEFA Cup and we have to accept it. It is an opportunity to look at some of the younger players to see what they can do. It is great experience for them.

"If they are good enough at 17 or 18 to play then they will show they can cope."

Tottenham have had a tough schedule after last week's trip in to Europe and then Monday's win at Hull - a result which lifted the club five points clear of the relegation zone.

"It is difficult with the congestion but there is a cup final at the end of it to look forward to," added Redknapp (above, today).

"The win at Hull was very important to us confidence wise. I feel there is a buzz.

"We have to use a balancing act all the time. We do not have a big squad here."

Defender Gunter, 19, realises Spurs face a huge task to overturn the deficit in this tie but insists the club can have confidence in any youngsters who are handed a start.

"Whatever team the manager selects, it is a big chance for us," said Gunter, who has played just five games for Spurs since joining from Cardiff last year. "Hopefully, we can make it a European night to remember.

"The young players get on well here, it is a good squad because everyone is made to feel welcome by the club.

"This is a chance for us to progress, and with Sunday's game in mind you have to take any chance to impress too."