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Harry Redknapp believes Andros Townsend will still struggle to establish himself at Tottenham despite his recent England call-up.
Townsend won praise for his performances after Redknapp took him to QPR on loan last season and has managed to impress since returning to north London.
But former Spurs manager Redknapp is still not convinced the winger will be able to hold down a first-team place at White Hart Lane.
“Will he get in Tottenham’s team, let alone the England team? That’s going to be the kid’s problem,” said the R’s boss.
Townsend impressed for QPR.
“When Aaron Lennon’s fit and all these other players come back it’s about whether he can get in the Tottenham team on a regular basis.”
Townsend, 22. had a succession of failed loan spells prior to his arrival at Loftus Road, with the likes of Watford sending him back to Spurs early.
But he did well under Redknapp, who has been hoping to sign him on a permanent basis but accepts the player’s England call-up means a Premier League club may now come in for him if Spurs are prepared to let Townsend go.
“It’s about confidence. He came here last season and knew that I liked him and believed in him. I think it showed in his performances,” Redknapp added.
“He went out and played and showed everyone what he could do. Now he’s gone back to Tottenham and been a hit in the Premier League for the first time.
“He’s a very focused kid. He wants to be successful and wants to get there and I think he will.
“But it ain’t going to be easy to get into Tottenham’s team with all them players there now.
“That is a fantastic squad of players – for me the best squad in the Premier League now.”
Townsend won praise for his performances after Redknapp took him to QPR on loan last season and has managed to impress since returning to north London.
But former Spurs manager Redknapp is still not convinced the winger will be able to hold down a first-team place at White Hart Lane.
“Will he get in Tottenham’s team, let alone the England team? That’s going to be the kid’s problem,” said the R’s boss.
Townsend impressed for QPR.
“When Aaron Lennon’s fit and all these other players come back it’s about whether he can get in the Tottenham team on a regular basis.”
Townsend, 22. had a succession of failed loan spells prior to his arrival at Loftus Road, with the likes of Watford sending him back to Spurs early.
But he did well under Redknapp, who has been hoping to sign him on a permanent basis but accepts the player’s England call-up means a Premier League club may now come in for him if Spurs are prepared to let Townsend go.
“It’s about confidence. He came here last season and knew that I liked him and believed in him. I think it showed in his performances,” Redknapp added.
“He went out and played and showed everyone what he could do. Now he’s gone back to Tottenham and been a hit in the Premier League for the first time.
“He’s a very focused kid. He wants to be successful and wants to get there and I think he will.
“But it ain’t going to be easy to get into Tottenham’s team with all them players there now.
“That is a fantastic squad of players – for me the best squad in the Premier League now.”
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