Jermain Defoe Hopes For European Run

Jermain Defoe believes that Tottenham Hotspur can go on a good run in this year's Champions League competition.

The London side grabbed the fourth and final Champions League spot after a close battle with Manchester City and Defoe believes that Harry Redknapp's can do better than their London rivals Arsenal. 

Speaking to the Daily Mirror Defoe said: "If we can get past the play-off qualifier, I honestly think we will go further in the Champions League than Arsenal.

"No disrespect to Arsenal, because they have a good record in the Champions League and for them it's become part of the furniture, part of their regular season, it's the norm.

"But I can't wait to experience the buzz around White Hart Lane on European nights, the place will be absolutely rocking.

"I do believe, if we can make that first step, that we will be contenders. We've got the squad, younger players like Gareth Bale have come on a bundle since we were last in Europe, and the gaffer would love to show what he can do as a manager in Europe.

And the England star was full of praise for manager Harry Redknapp and believes that he can transfer the domestic success onto a European stage.

"Harry was the top English manager in the Premier League last season, and there's no reason why he can't be successful in the Champions League.

"He's a special manager. Down the years there are loads of people who have tried, and failed, to achieve what he did in his first full season at Tottenham, and I know he'll be up for it in Europe."

The Champions League play off draw was made earlier today and it's Swiss side Young Boys that stand between Tottenham and a place in the group phase of the competition.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw