• Premier League

Redknapp confident of finishing fourth

Tottenham are currently fifth in the table, a point behind fourth-placed Manchester City © Getty Images

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Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is still confident that his team will be playing Champions League football next year despite Saturday's damaging 2-2 draw with West Brom.

Jermain Defoe's brilliant solo effort looked to have secured all three points for Spurs, but substitute Simon Cox struck a fabulous late equaliser to thwart Redknapp's men.

Despite the blow, Redknapp believes a fourth-placed finish is still achievable, although he insists it will be a bonus if Spurs manage to secure Champions League football, rather than a foregone conclusion.

''It's going to be difficult but it's still all to play for,'' said Redknapp. ''I find it hard that now everyone expects us to be in the Champions League. Tottenham had never been in it before until this season and suddenly it is like 'we have to be in the Champions League'.

''Manchester City have gone out and spent God knows what to get above us. Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are there every year, Liverpool will be there next year. It's difficult to get fourth. It has been a great season but it's not over yet.''

Redknapp admits his side's route to Europe last year was much easier.

''What was a big help to us last year was that we did not have the extra fixtures in Europe,'' he said. ''That helped us qualify for the Champions League last season but I think there's still nothing between City and Tottenham at the top. We are only talking about a point's difference.

''This is the closest we have ever got to Arsenal and Chelsea. I think we can compete with the top clubs every year. I think there is a championship in this club, not just a Champions League place. It will need a bit of investment but the nucleus is there.''

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