Source: Team_Talk
Big Sam wary of Crouch danger
Allardyce's Blackburn travel to Tottenham for the lunchtime kick-off match having already been the victim of the England striker's prowess once this season - it was his double that secured the points at Ewood Park for Spurs in December.[LNB]The Blackburn manager said: "Crouchie is one of my favourites. I tried to sign him many times and always thought he was much better than people gave him credit for and he has improved as the years have gone on.[LNB]"How many centre-forwards at that height are goalscorers and good centre-forwards, and his England record speaks for itself.[LNB]"There are not many that can match what he does in the Premier League, and it was he who finished us off when we played just before Christmas.[LNB]"We had two chances when I was at Bolton to sign him but didn't come up with the money when we should have - we could have signed him from £2.2million from Aston Villa and that would have been the bargain snatch of the century."[LNB]Tottenham are in fourth spot in the table and with Blackburn looking just about secure in 12th it may look as though the home side have more at stake, but Allardyce insists that is not the case.[LNB]He also believes Rovers, despite having only won once away in the league all season, can cash in on Harry Redknapp's injury problems to spring a surprise.[LNB]"Every place is worth another £750,000 and that means an extra £750,000 for next year's budget so I will be driving the players on to the very end," said Allardyce.[LNB]"Eight of the 10 games left are against teams above us but in the form we are in at the moment hopefully we can surprise a couple of those.[LNB]"We have to take advantage of the fact that Harry has had to disrupt his team with five or six injuries to people who would play in the first team on a regular basis.[LNB]"Defensively they may be suspect and we have to exploit that - especially as their fans will be expecting them to push forward. We have to expose the gaps they may leave with that style of play."[LNB][LNB]
