Source: Telegraph
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says English talent in short supply
Aston Villa v Tottenham HotspurKick-off: Sun Mar 15, 4.00pm; Villa Park, BirminghamTV: Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports HD1Radio: BBC Radio Five Live (second half only) [LNB]Redknapp takes his side to Villa Park this weekend looking for a victory that would assuage remaining relegation fears and put a dent in Villa's push for a top four place in an excellent season in which they have consistently fielded a high proportion of English players. [LNB] Related ArticlesKeane: Let's get 'strange' season out of the way[LNB]Keane's love affair with Spurs continues[LNB]Lennon must improve his crossing[LNB]Something for the Weekend[LNB]Hyde Park to host World Cup[LNB]Tottenham without key players for Manchester United FA Cup clash[LNB]Tottenham themselves boast a core of English players in their current squad, with Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Jenas, Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and Michael Dawson all important to the club's future. [LNB]However, Redknapp admits a return to the policy under former manager Martin Jol of buying young local talent is unlikely in the near future. [LNB]'If I could find good, young English players, I would, but it is very, very difficult,' he said. [LNB]'You can go out and make a point of buying English players, but if they're not good enough, it's a waste of time. I do think there is a dearth of top young English players. [LNB]'We're certainly not overloaded. I think the group of players we have in the national team at the moment are the best we have had for a long time. But I fear that they are also the best we will have for some years to come.'[LNB]Should Tottenham get relegated this season, Redknapp admits he would feel compelled to leave the club, though is confident such a scenario will not come about. [LNB]'That's how I would feel, but I don't see that happening.' he said. 'I don't see it as an issue. When I took over, I was very confident we would stay up, and I still am,' he added. [LNB]Meanwhile, Redknapp has been assured about his safety when he returns to Villa Park for the first time since a 50 pence piece was thrown at him from the crowd there towards the end of a match with Portsmouth back in October. [LNB]The coin missed Redknapp but struck instead a linesman, Phil Sharp, and Redknapp's opposite number, Martin O'Neill, appealed for the home crowd to channel their energy in a positive way for the team. [LNB]'I'm sure that the people around the dugout area will be aware of it and I'm quite sure security will be strong,' O'Neill said. [LNB]'The relationship between crowd and players in this vital run-in is of the utmost importance. Crowds can get agitated very quickly, although I don't think our crowd has had too much to be agitated about this season. [LNB]'There will be twists and turns, ups and downs in games, and it's important the crowd stays with the team throughout everything. That's absolutely vital. It's so, so important. [LNB]'I have said many times in the past that fans who pay their money have a right to voice their opinion but I think now, more than ever, it is essential we have a genuine team effort. [LNB]'This is about crowd and players teaming up together. We must work hard together to stay in that top four.'[LNB]
