Source: Telegraph
Tottenham's Harry Redknapp facing Carling Cup dilemma against Manchester United
Spurs were in this season's competition thanks to their Carling Cup final success over Chelsea a year ago but, with another final just three days away, and with a valuable three points secured at Hull only on Monday, Redknapp had no options than to field what was effectively a second team against Shakhtar Donetsk at White Hart Lane last night. [LNB]Redknapp's second string impressed, but a 1-1 draw meant that the Ukrainians of Donetsk face a mouth-watering last 16 battle with CSKA Moscow, who overcame Aston Villa yesterday. [LNB]'I would have liked to have gone to Moscow,' insisted Redknapp. 'You want to win every game and we would have deserved it. Their coach said we were unlucky afterwards. [LNB]'I'd just love to win on Sunday, what comes with it is great. It's just the situation we were in that is difficult. If we didn't have a cup final I wouldn't have been looking to rest so many people.' [LNB]The experience was not wasted; the game against the Ukrainians offered several positives. Jamie O'Hara, missing for five weeks, returned from injury, completed 70 minutes, and has put himself in the frame for a place at Wembley - a year after the heartache of being left out against Chelsea. [LNB]Tom Huddlestone also impressed, while goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, who will face Manchester united because new goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is cup-tied, came through unscathed. [LNB]And in 18-year-old debutant Jonathan Obika, Redknapp witnessed a young talent capable of stepping up to the plate and succeeding. [LNB]'Tom Huddlestone was great, Jamie O'Hara was outstanding in his first game back for a month. Jon Obika never stopped working and showed strength. It was encouraging. I couldn't have asked for more.' [LNB]Now Redknapp has key decisions to make. He added: 'Tom has never been out of it, Jamie has had an injury or he would have been in my team. He was top class. He's had a groin problem and it's how he reacts to it after this game. [LNB]'He is a terrific passer and gives you balance, he can play wide or inside and he is in my plans. He is a fantastic boy as well; you'd have him in your side any day of the week.'[LNB]
