Parker: Spurs must stay strong

Scott Parker is confident Tottenham can last the pace in the race for Champions League football.

Last Updated: 14/01/13 at 09:59 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Premier League Top 4 Finish 12/13 Top 4 Finish: Tottenham 2/1

Parker (l): In action against QPR

Parker (l): In action against QPR

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Spurs were held to a goalless draw by QPR in Saturday's London derby at Loftus Road, dropping to fourth in the table after Chelsea crushed Stoke.

But a record of seven wins in the last 10 matches has left Tottenham well positioned to tie down a top-four finish, and only their capacity to implode has cast doubt on whether they will achieve the feat.

Last season their title hopes expired when a damaging run of one victory in nine games left them in fourth, to be frozen out of the Champions League when Chelsea won the competition and earned a place as holders.

And in 2010-11 Tottenham slipped out of the top four with another poor sequence of results starting in February.

Parker believes the experience of going so close in the past can aid Tottenham this time, rather than lead to more disappointment.

He said: "It's in everyone's mind because it's happened before. We need to maintain our performances.

"We have some tough fixtures coming up but we've got some players coming back from injury. Hopefully we can freshen it up that way. I'm sure we'll be fine.

"We've lost some world-class players but we've added some too. Maybe we'll learn from the last two years and stay strong."

Manager Andre Villas-Boas has sought to avoid the all-too-familiar scenario from unfolding by rotating his squad, ensuring he will have fresh legs in April and May.

But at Loftus Road it was the organisation, resilience and spirit of QPR and not their own shortcomings that contributed to an afternoon of frustration masterminded by the manager they fired last June.

Harry Redknapp is known for motivational skills rather than tactical nous, but his side smothered Tottenham and were especially effective at containing wingers Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon.

Parker believes QPR have a fighting chance of escaping relegation with Redknapp at the helm.

"We wanted three points. QPR did their job and were set up very well," the 32-year-old said.

"They went to Stamford Bridge and won in their last league game and got a good point against a team like us who are obviously a very good team and up there in the league.

"They've got every chance with Harry there and he'll probably turn things around.

"I think the world of Harry and he can have as big an impact as anyone."

Parker's return from the Achilles surgery that forced him to miss the first half of the season gathered momentum after he replaced knee-injury victim Sandro in the 26th minute.

Villas-Boas revealed he considered taking Parker back to Stamford Bridge when Chelsea manager last season, before opting for Spaniard Oriol Romeu instead.

"Scott's been doing extremely well since he's come back. He's now at full fitness and a player we trust a lot," Villas-Boas said.

"Last season I thought about him. In the end, I opted for Oriol but I spoke to Scott as well about coming to Chelsea. I had to make a choice between them.

"Scott's a great professional and someone of great ability. He can always give you the edge with his leadership qualities.

"He's still at the peak of the game and his age is fine. He treats himself well and is a good professional."

Bet with SkyBet  Premier League Top 4 Finish 12/13 Top 4 Finish: Tottenham 2/1

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