THATCHER WANTS CARR TO GET NEW DEAL

The 24-year-old joined Spurs for £5 million from Wimbledon in the summer, and thinks his new team-mate should be given what he is worth.

"If I was looking at the situation from the point-view of a Tottenham fan I'd be most if he can`t come to an agreement with David Pleat and the club," said Thatcher.

"They are already concerned with Sol Campbell and Darren Anderton who are free to leave at the end of the season having not signed extensions to their contracts, and they don't want to add Stephen Carr`s name to that list.

"He's not asking for the world, just to be put on par with some of the other players.

"He's a regular in the team and I'd say he's probably one of the first names to be put on the team-sheet and I feel it's only right that he gets an improved deal.

"I haven't actually spoken to Stephen about the issue, but I do know that he's in a very strong position - he's got time left on his contract, he's been here since he was a schoolboy so they haven't paid any money for him and he's one of the best players.

"He`s a very popular player with the fans and with the players - I think he`s the fans` favourite to be honest - and he has to be one of the best full backs in the Premiership without question.

"I don't think pressure from the fans would make Tottenham decide any quicker, although they will want it sorted as quickly as possible.

"Over the past few weeks, the pressure from the fans on George Graham and Alan Sugar over certain results hasn't affected them and I would imagine it will be the same with Steve`s contract talks - but you never know."