Source: Team_Talk
Spurs will outshine Gunners in CL - Defoe
Jermain Defoe insists he firmly believes Tottenham will go further than bitter rivals Arsenal in the Champions League this season.[LNB] Spurs go into Friday's play-off draw aiming to reach Europe's top-level competition for the first time since 1961, while the Gunners share Real Madrid's record of 10 successive participations in the knockout stages.[LNB]But Defoe in unconcerned by the burden of history, and told the Daily Mirror: "If we can get past the play-off qualifier, I honestly think we will go further than Arsenal in the Champions League.[LNB]"No disrespect to Arsenal, because they have a good record in the Champions League and for them it's become part of the furniture, part of their regular season - it's the norm.[LNB]"But I can't wait to experience the buzz around White Hart Lane on European nights, the place will be absolutely rocking.[LNB]"I do believe, if we can make that first step, that we will be contenders. We've got the squad, younger players like Gareth Bale have come on a bundle since we were last in Europe, and the gaffer would love to show what he can do as a manager in Europe."[LNB]Spurs' squad are not used to the increased workload of a Champions League campaign, with the first leg of the play-off following just days after the Premier League opener against Manchester City.[LNB]"With City first up followed by a Champions League qualifier, it feels like the business end of our campaign might be in the first few weeks," Defoe continued. "It's a tough schedule, but we will be ready for it mentally.[LNB]"Tottenham fans have been waiting forever for a team to deliver Champions League football and we don't want to be one-hit wonders."[LNB]Meanwhile, Hull boss Nigel Pearson has admitted he is unlikely to complete the loan signing of Spurs youngster John Bostock in time for Saturday's Championship opener against Swansea.[LNB]"I would say we're probably best off presuming that he's not going to be available," Pearson said in the Hull Daily Mail.[LNB]England Under-19 international Bostock's move has reportedly been held up while the Premier League scrutinise City's finances.[LNB]Pearson added: "We can't do any business until certain criteria are met and that's how it is. I can't bring anyone in until we resolve that."
