Kelly: Spurs still on track

Stephen Kelly is convinced that Tottenham remain on track to claim fourth spot.

A 3-1 defeat at St James' Park handed the initiative back to Arsenal as The Gunners triumphed 5-0 at Aston Villa, whilst Blackburn can draw level with Martin Jol's side if they beat Wigan on Monday night.

With just six games to go Tottenham may now have to emerge victorious from the showdown with North London rivals Arsenal on April 22 if they are to achieve UEFA Champions League qualification, but Kelly says the alarm bells are yet to ring at White Hart Lane.

The loss against Newcastle was just their second in eight games, and Irish defender Kelly is backing Spurs to get their campaign back on track against Manchester City on Sunday.

"We are obviously a bit disappointed with the game at the weekend, but roll on the game at the weekend," Kelly told Sky Sports News.

"I don't think it was that damaging, it's the first game we've lost in a while, we've been playing well, it's just one of those days.

"A penalty, a man [Michael Dawson] being sent off, it just didn't go well for us.

"We need to bounce back against Manchester City and get three points at home.

"I wouldn't have to say we have to win all our remaining games, that's saying other teams have to win every game as well.

"I think we've got some tough games coming up, a crunch one against Arsenal as well, and we just need to get the most points possible until the end of the season.

"I have to say we are favourites the way we have been playing all season, we've been there so long.

"Everybody is saying Arsenal are doing well at the moment, playing well in the Champions League, but we've been there all season and will probably be there at the end as well.

"Of course we've been working so hard, such a progression this season, we've been fourth so long if we lose it we'll be disappointed but I think everybody has the confidence we're going to go on and keep that position.

"Obviously results have to go for us as well, with six games left anything can happen but I think we're well capable of staying fourth."

Arsenal's surprise success in Europe this season could hold the key to Spurs clinching fourth place as they must travel to Turin for what could be an energy sapping quarter final encounter on Wednesday night.

Whilst Kelly is hoping Spurs' rivals do not triumph in Europe's top competition, the defender recognises the potential value of their continuing participation.

"The thing is, the longer they stay in the competition, the more games they are going to be playing, fatigue is going to be kicking in.

"Being a Tottenham player I don't want to see Arsenal win the Champions League, but if an English team wins, fair enough they've done well."

Manchester City will have their own point to prove after being on the receiving end of vicious criticism from manager Stuart Pearce after their performance in the 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough on Sunday, and Kelly is hoping their poor form continues at White Hart Lane at the weekend.

"Hopefully, but players can bounce back and prove the manager wrong, we have to do the same, do well, put ourselves back on track and get the win we need.

"Especially playing at home, we've been very consistent at home so come Saturday we know we're capable of beating Man City and we just need to go out and prove it."