LONDON (AFP) - – Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp insisted his side could qualify for the Champions League after Luka Modric returned to inspire their latest victory.
Croatia midfielder Modric and England forward Jermain Defoe were on target in a 2-0 London derby win over West Ham at White Hart Lane here on Monday that lifted Spurs into the top four of the English Premier League.
If they stay there until the end of the current campaign, Spurs will play in next season's edition of European club's football's premier tournament.
Their present position represents a fantastic revival for Spurs, given they were in a battle against relegation when Redknapp arrived from top-flight rivals Portsmouth at the end of 2008.
"The last year has been terrific, it's been a great turnaround and exceeded expectations," Redknapp said.
"When I arrived we had two points from eight games and you've got to be worried because the previous manager (Juande Ramos) wasn't a complete fool.
"But we turned it around and have a strong squad and that makes the job easy," Redknapp added.
"I've set the goals high," the former West Ham boss explained. "Why can't we finish in the top four?
"It's easy for me to say we can do better than last year by finishing seventh (Spurs were eighth last season) and that way I don't come under any pressure if we don't make the Champions League.
"But there's no reason we can't do it even if it's going to be difficult. It's not impossible," Redknapp proclaimed.
"We've got a strong squad with good players. I brought Defoe, Modric and Ledley King back in here - and they could get in any team."
Modric marked his first start since August following a broken leg by opening the scoring in the 11th minute when he converted a cross from Aaron Lennon.
West Ham had not won at White Hart Lane for ten years and that statistic was only going to get worse once midfielder Scott Parker and defender Herita Ilunga were both substituted within the opening 19 minutes due to hamstring problems.
Spurs dominated and finally scored the second goal when Defoe struck a spectacular effort nine minutes from time after Hammers keeper Robert Green had blocked his initial shot.
Central defender King started for Spurs although the north Londoners will continue to monitor his longstanding knee injury.
Redknapp was in no doubt about the difference King makes to his team, saying: "What a player he is, one of the best centre-halves in the world.
"We are very lucky in this country with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, but he is up there with the best of them."
Redknapp added: "We will now wait to see how the swelling is from this game before deciding if he will be involved in the FA Cup game (a third round tie against second-tier Peterborough). Saturday may be a bit too soon."
West Ham, still only just above the relegation zone, have a growing injury list that is becoming a real concern, though they are hopeful Parker and Ilunga will not be sidelined for too long.
Gianfranco Zola said he would like to bolster his squad during January's transfer window despite the cash-strapped Hammers' financial problems.
"I'd like to do something to improve the situation, but we will see what happens," the West Ham manager said.
"Of more importance is that we maintain the spirit we have now."
Meanwhile the Italian, who made his name in English football as a striker with Premier League leaders Chelsea, suggested Spurs could finish even higher than fourth place.
"Spurs have such a good squad. It's down to them, they might be a surprise for the title, this championship has not got an owner."
He added: "Even Chelsea are struggling, so it is open for everybody...though maybe not us!"