Spurs skipper sets his sights on success

3:48pm Friday 9th May 2008

TOTTENHAM captain Robbie Keane has set his team the goal of winning the UEFA Cup and qualifying for Champions League football next season.

The Spurs striker (pictured) has been in top form again this season, scoring 24 goals to better last year's tally of 23.

And he believes the squad currently at Juande Ramos disposal is strong enough to compete with the top four.

"We have the players here (capable of) winning the Uefa Cup, and definitely pushing the top four. It certainly is possible," the Irishman insisted.

Although he conceded that a title challenge was a little premature, Keane called for much more consistency from the team next time around.

"It is difficult to compete with them (the top four)," he said.

"In the one-off games we are quite capable of beating anybody.

"What let us down was consistency over a period of time - that's been the downfall.

"The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea never seem to slip up."

Tottenham have added to the squad already, bringing in Croatian playmaker Luka Modric and Keane believes the Lilywhites' qualification for the UEFA Cup will play a big role in attracting top players to White Hart Lane.

"It shows how far the club have come. Getting into the Uefa Cup attracts players like him (Modric)," said Keane.

"If we had been out of the Uefa Cup, it might have been different.

"It's vitally important that each season we grow, get better and better, try and break into that top four, and by doing so will attract players like Modric.

"What I saw of him against England (for Croatia), when he was fantastic, he will be a great signing.

"Modric creates so much as a midfielder it is only going to help me as a striker.

"He seems to fit the bill of a so-called 'Tottenham player', getting the ball down, passing and counter-attacking quickly."

Keane has enjoyed a prolific season in front of goal, but he was quick to praise the league's top marksman, Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, who received Keane's vote and was duly crowned PFA Player of the Year.

"If you asked anyone who would you pay money to watch, everyone would say Ronaldo," said Keane.

"He's got everything. Young kids watching Ronaldo doing those tricks must inspire them to be like him. His goals for a winger is incredible."

Meanwhile, Tottenham's new kit hits the shelves at midnight tonight, and Keane admits it is "flattering" to see fans sporting his name on the back of their shirts.

"They are going to queue up to get the first jersey tonight, and get the favourite players name printed on the back, and that's flattering for the players.

"The fans are very passionate here. Fans make football.

"No one wants to play in front of 20 people. You want to play in front of thousands and thousands.

"The atmosphere is brilliant at Tottenham on a night game, Uefa Cup or big domestic game. It was electric against Chelsea the 4-4 draw."

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