HARRY REDKNAPP has backed Dele Alli to salvage Tottenham’s top-four mission.
The England midfielder has faced criticism for his form this season and has been snubbed by Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate.
But former Spurs boss Redknapp insists rejuvenated Dele, who has scored twice in his last four Prem games, can be crucial to resurrecting their season.
He said: “Dele is striking a bit of form again.
“He is a key player for me, I’m such a fan of his.
“They tell me he is a great lad as well.
“He got badly criticised for his performance at Liverpool (in the 2-1 defeat) but he covered more yards than any other player by so much it was ridiculous.
“And yet he got criticised for not running or working hard after the game.
“When you looked at it he had certainly put a shift in. It’s not gone well but I think he’s a good kid and a good trainer. His form has dipped.
“He hit such high standards a year or two before. If he can get back to that form again then that would be a major boost.”
Spurs sit 14th in the Premier League with just THREE wins after a dreadful start to the season.
It leaves them 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City, with Chelsea and Leicester another point ahead.
But Redknapp believes last season’s Champions League finalists should not be written off just yet.
He said: “Tottenham have it all on now to get in the top four this year.
“The only thing now in their favour is that Arsenal look so poor. Chelsea are doing great, they’re going to be challenging. Leicester are going to be bang in there.
“But you’re looking at Arsenal — and Manchester United — and wondering if they are going to make it this year.
“I can see both of those two not making the top four unless there is a big improvement.”
Redknapp added: “It’s been a disappointing season so far for Spurs.
“I really thought they would be close to Manchester City and Liverpool and challenging.
“It’s difficult. The players haven’t hit the form they did last year.
“They still have a fantastic squad.
“I’m a big fan of the manager and hopefully they can turn it around.”
HARRY REDKNAPP was speaking during a visit to the University of Gloucestershire’s Media School, where he was interviewed by students from the BA Sports Journalism course.
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