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Premier League

Tottenham's Harry Redknapp has faith in Tom Huddlestone to help shore his back-line if there are no signing of defenders.

Jonathan Woodgate is suffering from a groin problem and Michael Dawson has damaged his Achilles while skipper Ledley King has yet to kick a ball this summer.

That leaves Spurs somewhat short at the back and Huddlestone was drafted into the centre of defence for yesterday's 1-0 win over West Ham in the Barclays Asia Trophy in China.

The former Derby player did not look out of place and, although Redknapp admitted he is keen to add further to his squad, he has no qualms about playing Huddlestone in defence come the start of the campaign.

"Tom can play there," he said. "He played there in a UEFA Cup match for us this year where he was absolutely fantastic. When you see him play like that and he played there again last night it doesn't make it a real priority.

"He played there when he was at Derby as well and to be honest he can play anywhere, he has so much ability.

"I am looking around as I am always looking to improve the squad because we want to push on this year. Tottenham is a club that I think should be pushing to get into that top European spot every year.

"I am looking to improve in all areas, I brought Peter Crouch in and I won't hesitate to add to the squad if players become available."

Huddlestone himself is happy to help out in defence if required.

"I played quite a few games there for Derby before I came to Tottenham but it is just a case of getting used to it again," he said.

"If the manager is struggling with players for the beginning of the season and he wants me to do the job there then I will work on it in training. I do feel fairly comfortable there."

Spurs will play Hull tomorrow at Beijing Workers' Stadium in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy before heading straight to Hong Kong for another friendly.

It completes a busy couple of weeks for the club having also played Barcelona and Celtic at the Wembley Cup recently.

Despite missing a host of chances against West Ham, the performance on the whole was encouraging.

"We don't want to get too carried away, we played fairly well last night but the previous two games we were not so good," added Huddlestone.

"It is just a case of kicking on and being ready for Liverpool in the first game of the season."