Wolves vs Tottenham preview - Spurs to start with new boys

Posted Saturday, September 10, 2011 by PA

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed that new signings Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor will both start in the Barclays Premier League game at Wolves.

Rafael van der Vaart has started running again as his hamstring injury was not as bad as first feared, but he will not travel with the squad to Molineux.

Sandro (knee), Steven Pienaar (groin), William Gallas (calf) are out but Ledley King is in contention after making good progress on his return from injury.

Parker admits his dream of playing at next summer's European Championships would have been wrecked had he not left relegated West Ham.

At almost 31, Parker is different to the type of player Spurs chairman Daniel Levy usually goes for, but Redknapp is convinced the midfielder can add the steel and leadership qualities he thinks his squad lacked.

"Playing in the Euros was a massive factor," said Parker.

"The last six months for me has been massive with England. I have not just been getting in to squads, I have been playing.

"To get into the squad for the Euros would be massive for me and my career. I want to do everything I possibly can to get into that squad really.

"With the way it's gone for me over the last year, I felt like I needed to be

playing in the Premier League."

QPR, Stoke, Arsenal and Chelsea were all linked with moves for Parker, but he says Spurs were the only club he considered joining once he heard of Redknapp's interest.

"As soon as I knew Spurs were interested, it was the place I wanted to come," he said.

"I think it always helps that the manager wants you and certainly over the last few years Harry has stated that he likes me as a player and wants to sign me. That's helped me massively."

Wolves are likely to name an unchanged team for the fourth Premier League match in succession if winger Matt Jarvis can prove his fitness.

Manager Mick McCarthy will assess Jarvis in training but is confident the former Gillingham midfielder will be available.

The seven players who went away on international duty have returned unscathed, leaving Wolves missing Dave Edwards (calf) and Sylvain Ebanks Blake (knee).

Midfielder Adlene Guedioura is available after recovering from the ankle injury that has prevented him from playing so far this season.