Spurs on course for Wembley return but it could have been vintage Claret

Outplayed and outclassed in the first half, Tottenham were lucky to leave the field at the interval only one goal down.

They needed a half-time rollicking from manager Harry Redknapp to inspire them to score four goals in the first 22 minutes of the second period.

But it could have been so different had Burnley taken a 24th minute opportunity to double their advantage.

Already leading by Martin Paterson's 15th-minute goal, the Clarets sensed their fourth Carling Cup victory over a London Premier League club this season after wins over Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal.

After another excellent move, Chris Eagles - who had created the first goal - collected the ball on the right wing, switched to his left foot, and delivered another dangerous cross into the Spurs' penalty area.

Robbie Blake, who had been involved in the build-up, timed his run perfectly and met Eagles' cross with a glancing header, only for the ball to drift inches wide with 'keeper Heurelho Gomes helpless.

Had Burnley ended the first half 2-0 up, it is hard to imagine that Spurs would have managed to find the energy to turn around the game in as convincing a manner as they eventually did.

And, given Owen Coyle's team have lost only two games at home this season, Spurs would have faced a hugely difficult task to get a result at Turf Moor to take them back to Wembley, where they claimed the trophy last season with a memorable 2-1 win over Chelsea in the final.

As it is, the holders are well on track to reach the final against either Manchester United or Derby County on 1 March - and they have Blake's slightly wayward finishing to thank for that.