Source: Eurosport
Keane: Harry Will Take Spurs Into Europe
Tottenham skipper Robbie Keane wants the club to take their momentum into next season, regardless of whether they qualify for Europe.
Victory over West Ham at White Hart Lane, courtesy of Roman Pavlyuchenko's winner, moved Spurs within sight of the seventh-placed finish in the Premier League that should seal a place in the revamped UEFA Cup.
After Spurs started the season with two draws and six defeats, boss Harry Redknapp viewed it as mission accomplished after getting past the 40-point mark to avoid relegation - but there is still an unlikely place in the Europa League to play for.
"There is no reason why we can't," Keane said. "There is such a slim margin between relegation and seventh spot."
Redknapp is aware of how difficult it is to break into the top four but there are still hopes of competing with the elite in the way Aston Villa and Everton have this season.
"If we can kick on past the 40-point mark then next season we can push on," Keane added.
"Harry has a great reputation. He's come in now and given the players belief."
Redknapp feels matching the likes of Villa is possible with a few additions to the squad, although he has plenty of options in attack.
Bent started against West Ham alongside Keane, with Jermain Defoe returning from a foot injury this month to add to the competition.
Pavlyuchenko came off the bench to replace Bent against Gianfranco Zola's men - and it took him nine minutes to score the only goal of the match.
Redknapp wants the Russian to stay at Spurs this summer but admits there have been problems with the striker getting to grips with the language and the physical side of the English game.
"I talk to him all the time - as best I can though his interpreter," said Redknapp.
"Sometimes I think he gets brushed off it too easily and he has to work hard for the team when he hasn't got the ball."
Zola, meanwhile, has problems in attack following the loss of Carlton Cole.
The Italian remains confident of holding on to seventh place and he has been encouraged by Kieron Dyer's gradual return to full fitness.
"It is just a matter of physical condition, he is getting better and better and I'm looking forward to giving him more time on the pitch," Zola said. "His attitude is good and it won't be long."
Zola also hopes to have midfielder Scott Parker back from a groin complaint for next week's clash against Aston Villa.
"I hope so," Zola said. "Parker is an important player for us and he is getting better and better, but we want to make sure he is 100% fit."
Zola is confident of skipper Lucas Neill signing a new contract to stay at the club after his contract runs out in the summer.
"I know the club are dealing with that and Lucas knows my opinion about that so now it is down to Lucas and the club to find a solution and I believe they are working with that," he said.
