Source: Telegraph
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp warns players against complacency
Tottenham have won five of their opening seven games and their 15-point haul is their best return at this stage of the season in their Premier League history, while they have already scored five goals in a game four times, including two Carling Cup ties.
Add the fact that three players Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane have already claimed hat-tricks and it could be difficult for Redknapp to find much fault in his side.
"I had a difficult job picking the team for the game against Burnley," said Redknapp of the side that won 5-0.
"Those who started will have to play well to keep the shirt because everybody is playing well at the moment. You have to play well to keep your place."
Redknapp left out Crouch against Burnley despite the fact he scored a hat-trick, at Preston, a few days earlier and Redknapp added: "It's about confidence.
"Crouchy will be low after being left out because I can't give him any excuses for why I'm leaving him out. It's just a gut feeling I have as a manager when picking the team.
"That's what I have to do, that's my job and if you get it wrong too many times you don't have a job do you?
"Peter will get the opportunity to play plenty of games this year. Next week is another game away to Bolton - a big, strong team.
"Set plays, we have got to go there and be prepared for that. Against Burnley we went with a small team, next week I will probably pick a bigger team.
The substitutes bench against Burnley included Heurelho Gomes, Crouch, Michael Dawson, Gareth Bale and David Bentley, all internationals.
Redknapp also gave a first game to Niko Kranjcar but added another warning when he said: "Just because you bring players here doesn't mean you are going to play them.
"They have got to come here and earn the right to play. Niko came and didn't play the first couple of games, but I thought it was time to push him in.
"He has done himself a lot of good and there is competition - they have got to perform."
Redknapp also has leading players to return with Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate and Luka Modric all recovering from injuries.
