Corluka: We must hold our nerve

Vedran Corluka has urged Tottenham not to blow their chance of qualification for the Champions League, saying: "It could ruin our season."

It would be a huge disappointment if Spurs were not to make it into the group stages having progressed so far under Harry Redknapp last season to beat the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool to the post.

But Corluka insists his side must be fully prepared for whoever they face, as missing out could prove a huge disaster for their progression.

"We worked so hard last season just to get there and if we last those two games it would be hard for everyone in the club and the fans," said the Croatian defender.

"It could ruin our season because everyone expects us to be in the Champions League. We have to hold our nerve because everyone knows that in football anything can happen."

The last time a Premier League club not in the so-called 'big four' reached the same stage, Everton were eliminated by Villarreal in 2005 and saw them stutter in the season that followed after being near the relegation zone until Christmas.

Corluka was well aware of the repercussions should they exit at the first hurdle, but was adamant that they must not let it affect them, whatever the case.

"If we lose in the Champions League we must make sure we can still have a great season," he added. "But no one wants to think about that, we just want to think about going into the Champions League.

"I have played in the Champions League before with Dynamo Zagreb.

"It was a great feeling, every footballer wants to play in the Champions League and Tottenham deserve to be there because of how well we did last season."