Harry Redknapp insisted that trophies were more important to him than European Football, as he has decided to field a second string squad in the UEFA Cup game against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Spurs boss will be resting all his first team players for the important Carling Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday.
Heurelho Gomes, Spurs keeper, is the only player to be expected for starting both UEFA Cup and Carling Cup encounters. Redknapp needs to play him in both the games, as Carlo Cudicini has picked up an injury in his knees.
Redknapp said, ‘It is always about winning trophies.’
‘I wouldn’t have been bothered by the fact if there was no existence of Europe and this is what I said to Portsmouth in the previous season before their European games.’
Meanwhile, David Bentley will be looking forward to make full use of the opportunities, which he will get in the last-32 tie against Ukraine Champions, Shakhtar. He was rested for the previous leg.
A good performance here might see Bentley grabbing a place in the Wembley showdown against the Red Devils.
For emphasizing his priorities, Redknapp seems adamant that Spurs will be playing against United with the spirit of winning the cup.
Spurs trails Donetsk 2-0 and needs to clear that deficit for staying in the Cup. However, Redknapp is not in the mood of losing out on senior players through injuries while chasing this tie.
‘Even though a final is not about reputation and all are equal, still playing against a club like Manchester United is always intimidating, as they are the best club in Europe. This is why I want all my best players to be in full fitness and fend off the Champions.’