Redknapp reiterates belief in blundering Gomes

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has again insisted he has total faith in struggling goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes as he lurches from one disaster to another.

PhilCole/GettyImages

Heurelho Gomes: Under increasing pressure

The Brazilian's gaffes are stacking up on a game-by-game basis with the worst so far coming against Fulham on Saturday when he spilled a simple ball from Simon Davies into the back of his own net. Gomes now looks completely shot from set-pieces, especially corners, and is unable to command his area.

But with Spurs only having 37-year-old veteran Cesar in reserve and the untried Ben Alnwick about to return from a loan spell with Carlisle United the options are limited before the transfer market reopens in January. It means Redknapp must hope the club's goalkeeping specialists can bring his confidence back.

Gomes actually started the season in fine form but in October began to have his troubles.

"He's our number one goalkeeper so he's got to do the job - we're relying on him heavily,'' Redknapp said. "I believe in him and we have to believe in him.

"Obviously he is disappointed with the weekend but his record tells you he is a world-class goalkeeper. He has to bounce back from that and turn in a terrific performance this weekend. I'm sure he'll do that. He's a strong character. It's up to him now.''

Spurs face Blackburn next weekend. At the other end on Sunday will be Paul Robinson, who lost his place at Spurs last season but is now back in the England squad after moving to Ewood Park.

Redknapp is aware that victory over Rovers, then the home clash against Everton, offers a chance to climb out of the relegation zone and towards the top half of the league.

He said: "It's a big game for us this weekend, we have a couple of home games and need to pick up good points because it is so close - it's unbelievable down there, a couple of wins can move you up the table so much.''