We'll soon be level with Arsenal, insists Harry Redknapp

Ready to roll: Niko Kranjcar will be one of many fringe players who will get a chance for Spurs tomorrow
11 April 2012

Harry Redknapp today claimed that Tottenham are closing the gap on Arsenal and believes the two clubs will be on an equal footing when Spurs move to their new stadium.

Rafael van der Vaart had joked that his new side are bigger than the Gunners but Redknapp adopted a more considered stance ahead of tomorrow night's Carling Cup third-round clash at White Hart Lane.

Spurs will find out on 30 September whether planning permission has been approved on a new £400million stadium just behind their present location and are hopeful of completing the 60,000-capacity venue for the start of the 2013-14 season.

As they embark upon their first season in the Champions League, Spurs believe the momentum is with them as they look to usurp their north London rivals and Redknapp said: "I haven't seen what Van der Vaart has said but Arsenal and Spurs are both big clubs.

"There is absolutely no doubt about that. Arsenal have been more successful in recent years but we are getting closer. When we get a new stadium, we will be getting 60,000 people a week like most big clubs, so they are both big clubs."

The Carling Cup has been demoted down the list of priorities for Spurs this season, such is the progress they have made since lifting the trophy at Wembley in 2008 and Redknapp plans wholesale changes despite the opponents they will face.

Brazilian midfielder Sandro and goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa are set to make their debuts tomorrow, while David Bentley, Sebastien Bassong, Niko Kranjcar and Wilson Palacios are all expected to start.

Redknapp is keen to rest several players who have featured heavily in the club's early Premier League and Champions League programme, including Gareth Bale, who has played in six of Spurs' opening eight matches and been on international duty with Wales.

"We have got lots of players who need to play who haven't figured much recently," said the 63-year-old.

"It gives us a chance to give them a game. They are good players - they need games under their belt. Some of the lads who have played so many games, we need to rest them. We have a busy week coming up. West Ham, Champions League, then Aston Villa.

"I can't keep using the same players so I am going to have to protect them. There'll be lots of changes.

"I have got to look at next week. I can't kill Gareth Bale off - he's had two games for his country and then ran a million miles in Germany. The kid is going to end up running on empty. He is only a boy.

"I have got a good squad. Niko Kranjcar is unlucky not to be in the first team. Wilson Palacios didn't play last Saturday and he is ready to play.

"They are just unlucky - it is a squad game and everybody has to play their part. It's a chance to give them the opportunity they deserve.

"Arsene Wenger has done it over the years. He has been strong in his beliefs and played the young players. Even in cup semi-finals or in the final against Chelsea he played lots of kids. You have got to do what is right for the team."

Although Redknapp admits Spurs now place greater stock in other competitions, he insists the trophy should be taken seriously and questioned why mid-table teams often rest players with a view to subsequent league games.

He added: "The Carling Cup is a good competition. I can never understand clubs who are in the middle of the League resting players. It's a chance to win a cup so I don't know why they mess around with their teams.

"You have got the chance to go to Wembley and it is a great day for the fans. It is different when you have Champions League football because you have other priorities but I don't understand why other teams in the middle of the League don't go for it."

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