Crouch admits Spurs squander

Crouch: Fallen off Euro pace

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Peter Crouch has conceded Tottenham squandered the chance to pull away from Liverpool but has called for a renewed push for a top-four finish.

Never in a Premier League campaign has the race for the a UEFA Champions League berth been so hotly contested with regular top-four finishers Liverpool being chased by the likes of Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa for a coveted European spot.

The Reds' season has been a stuttering one, but Rafa Benitez's side have rediscovered their form of late and reclaimed fourth spot for the first time since September after Saturday's derby-day success against Everton.

Spurs - who missed the chance to go eight points clear of the Merseyside giants last month when they lost 2-0 at Anfield - have lost speed in their bid for a top-four finish with two successive draws since Dirk Kuyt's double sunk them in January.

But Crouch, who spent three years at Liverpool before joining Portsmouth in 2008, has called for the North Londoners to prove again they have the ability to keep up with his former club.

Opportunity

"There was an opportunity earlier in the season," said England striker Crouch.

"We had a couple of draws and it was frustrating we couldn't pull away more. But I still feel we have enough ability.

"You look around the dressing room at the players who aren't playing and there is so much quality here. I still believe we have a real opportunity."

After three seasons at Anfield, Crouch knows how dangerous Liverpool will be now they have edged back into the top four.

"The previous seasons don't lie," Crouch said. "They have always been in the Champions League.

"They had a blip at the start of the season and people said other people can get in there but if I'm honest if you want to get in the Champions League then Liverpool will be the toughest side to displace.

"We have to make sure we are in there and in a position to do that."

Unpredictable

In Spurs' favour, results this season have been unpredictable and could give them a chance to mount another challenge for the top four.

They travel to Wolves on Wednesday hoping for revenge after Mick McCarthy's men defeated them earlier in the season.

"You think one team is cementing the fourth spot, then they lose and another team wins," Crouch said.

"It's going to be really tight until the end of the season, we have to make sure we are close enough right to the end.

"I believe we have enough. The manager strengthened in January with a couple of signings to add to the squad and I think we have enough ability.

"We have a big squad with international players who can come in and play in different positions. I'm sure we will be strong enough."