Redknapp's got the Luka love

Manager Harry Redknapp believes the impressive skills of Croatian midfielder Luka Modric are key to Tottenham challenging for the Premier League title.

Modric turned in a superb performance in the goalless draw against Manchester United at White Hart Lane, when Tottenham proved that while they lie in fifth spot, just a point off the Champions League places, there is little to choose between them and the Premier League leaders.

Redknapp insists Modric is one of football's brightest talents and he said: "We had the outstanding player on the pitch in Luka Modric. He was unbelievable. Magnificent. He's an amazing footballer, the little man takes the ball in the tightest areas with people around him, wriggling out of situations. He could play in any team in the world."

He added: "You will play a tight ball in to Luka Modric with someone closing him but you might not play it to some other people for fear of losing the ball and then bang, it's in the back of your net.

"We believe we can hold our own with anybody. Tottenham is an improving team. We're in the top five all the time now. We're looking to get there and one day win a championship. That is the ambition of the club."

Modric also insisted that Tottenham are on the same level as United.

"Even though we haven't beaten them for 10 years, we showed that they are not better than us," Modric said.

"It's a shame we didn't win but a draw is a good result. But there are still a lot of games between now and the end of the season and we need to try everything.

"I think we are still in the title race. In the last 14 games we have had only one defeat. That's excellent for us and we need to keep going. Everything is possible."