Cups no longer priority as Spurs look at bigger picture

Tom Collomosse
30.11.09

Sebastien Bassong would rather Tottenham finish fourth in the Premier League this season than win one of the cups.

Spurs face Manchester United in a Carling Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford tomorrow night, hoping to reach the final of the competition for the third year in succession.

Manager Harry Redknapp has often stressed the importance of trying to bring more silverware to a club which have won only two cups in 10 years, but Cameroon defender Bassong sees qualification for the Champions League as the greater prize.

"Both cup competitions are very important but the main things for us is the Premier League," said Bassong, whose appearance in the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa was his first start since picking up a hamstring injury in the north London derby a month ago.

"The top four is our goal, so if we can get into the Champions League we will all be very happy."

If Spurs repeat their second-half performance at Villa Park on a regular basis they will have an excellent chance of achieving that objective. Yet to have played so well and still fail to win represents a slight worry for Redknapp.

With a Premier League game at Everton coming five days after the clash with United, Redknapp is likely to make changes, with Robbie Keane and Jermaine Jenas strong candidates for the starting line-up against the Carling Cup holders.

Michael Dawson, handed the captaincy at Villa, crowned a solid defensive performance with the equaliser but central defence remains a worry for Spurs after Jonathan Woodgate joined Ledley King on the sidelines with a groin problem.

Woodgate returned to first-team action only five weeks ago after undergoing two operations during the summer and Redknapp is desperate not to be forced down that route again. King is still out with a hamstring injury and must also contend with a long-term knee complaint.

Redknapp said: "Ledley's knee is a problem, he can't train. Woody's had a groin problem for ages. You just hope the injections clear it. To start operating on Woody would be a problem."

The uncertain defensive situation could force Redknapp into the transfer market in January, with West Ham's Matthew Upson and Rangers centre-back Madjid Bougherra both thought to be targets.