Harry Redknapp told Setanta Sports that Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Hull City on Monday night fully vindicated his decision to field a weakened side in their Uefa Cup defeat in midweek.
Redknapp had been singled out for criticism following a 2-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk after an understrength Spurs side succumbed to a result that leaves their participation in Europe in real doubt.
But, in the midst an intense run of fixtures and with Sunday’s Carling Cup final fast approaching, Redknapp has again pledged to field a number of fringe players for the return leg at White Hart Lane on Thursday.
Speaking after a late goal from Jonathan Woodgate secured a 2-1 win at The KC Stadium, Redknapp responded to his critics by underlining the vital importance of victory against Hull and admitted his focus is now squarely on the Wembley final at the weekend.
“I heard people the other night on your programme, talking about me resting players in Shakhtar,” Redknapp told Setanta Sports.
“It showed tonight why I rested players because I won a Premier League game. People said that Aston Villa didn’t do it, but they got beat on Saturday and looked leggy. So people should understand that that’s why I do my job and they do their job.
“I rested players and tonight we got the result we needed which was far more important.
“We have got a cup final with Manchester United that we are all looking forward to, we have got a game against Shakhtar on Thursday which again I have got players not eligible for that competition.
“We have got to play Monday, Thursday and a cup final on Sunday. Whoever had to play the Thursday before a cup final? It’s ludicrous.
“So I am going to rest the players and give the kids a chance, let the Tottenham fans see the players who are doing great in the youth team. Most teams you get to a cup final and you should be preparing all week, but we are playing Thursday so it’s a tough week.”
Tottenham saw Carlo Cudicini come and miss a cross when Hull defender Michael Turner cancelled out Aaron Lennon’s opener, sparking more concerns about the club’s ability to defend from set pieces.
Redknapp pointed to a lack of height in his side when explaining their aerial vulnerability at present.
“We are not a big side really, that is one of the problems,” Redknapp added. “You look at them tonight, we ended up with Luka Modric running into the box with Kilbane who is good in the air.
“We can’t match up. We have got two or three good headers of the ball and then we run out of headers really.
“We have got a lot of little guys but they stuck at it tonight and we got the result, it was a great result.
“It puts us in a much better position, it keeps Hull in the relegation battle. That gives us confidence for the week now.”
Match-winner Woodgate was forced off with a head wound following a collision with Vedran Corluka in the dying seconds but Redknapp does not expect the defender to miss the Carling Cup final on Sunday.
Woodgate scored the winner in last season's final against Chelsea and Redknapp stated: "He's a tough nut, I don't see him not playing at Wembley."