Redknapp rules out Gomes replacement

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will not apply for an emergency loan if Heurelho Gomes is forced to miss the rest of the campaign with a groin injury.

The Brazilian ended the match limping after falling awkwardly in the dying minutes of Spurs' 1-0 win over Bolton.

The goalkeeper, who has been instrumental in the club's quest to gain Champions League football this year, is now a doubt for Wednesday's crunch match against Manchester City at Eastlands.

Fellow Champions League chasers City brought in Sunderland reserve goalkeeper Marton Fulop this week after number one stopper Shay Given dislocated a shoulder.

Should Gomes not be fit for the remainder of the campaign, Redknapp will be forced to field England under-21 goalkeeper Ben Alnwick or veteran Jimmy Walker, neither of whom have played for Spurs this year.

Redknapp admits losing Gomes would be a blow, but he insists that he will not enter the loan market should the 29-year-old be unable to recover for Spurs' remaining two games.

"Gomes' groin is sore. He'll have a scan and see what the damage is. Hopefully he'll be okay," said Redknapp.

"Gomes is looking a fantastic goalkeeper. He has everything and looks like the goalkeeper everyone was talking about before he came here (from PSV Eindhoven).

"If he isn't fit, Ben would play and Jimmy would be on the bench."

Tom Huddlestone's superb 22-yard strike was the difference between the two teams on a nervy afternoon at White Hart Lane.

"We should have scored more but it was a great goal from Tom, he's been great all season." said Redknapp.

Manchester City's 3-1 win over Aston Villa effectively reduced the fight for the last Champions League place to a two-horse race.

Redknapp knows that a draw at City and a final-day victory over Burnley would ensure his side's passage to the Champions League for the first time in their history.

"We're right there. We have two big games to come," he said.

"It's a massive game and we would have taken this at the start of the season.

"City are tough opposition. City's front two are a threat to anyone but we have good strikers too."

He is adamant that he will not go to Eastlands looking for a draw.

"I wouldn't want to go there and be negative," the former Portsmouth boss said.

"We have attacking midfielders and wingers so we won't change too much.

"It would be nice if we got there but I'm not going to get too excited."