BETWEEN THE STICKS

HEURELHO GOMES

Took some time to impress after joining Spurs for £7.8m from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2008. But the Brazil international has settled down and appears to have impressed Harry Redknapp.

AT THE BACK

VEDRAN CORLUKA

One of a strong Croatia contingent in the Tottenham first team, along with Niko Kranjcar and Luka Modric.

The 24-year-old cost Spurs £8.5m from Manchester City two years ago.

MICHAEL DAWSON

Like Ryan Shawcross, the former Nottingham Forest centre-half is in the group of reserves hoping to get a call-up for the World Cup.

The 26-year-old moved to White Hart Lane five years ago and has easily justified the £4m fee from Forest.

SEBASTIEN BASSONG

The French centre-back cost £8m in the summer as Tottenham picked the bones of relegated Newcastle.

The 24-year-old has impressed this season to ensure Spurs haven't suffered too much through Ledley King's unreliable fitness.

BENOIT ASSOU-EKOTTO

Is justifying the £3.5m he cost from Lens four years ago. The 26-year-old reportedly didn't even like football as a youngster, but has forged an excellent career since joining Lens as a 10-year-old.

IN THE MIDDLE

NIKO KRANJCAR

The 26-year-old Croatia international was picked up for £2m from Portsmouth in January 2009.

The midfielder played under Harry Redknapp at Pompey, but you don't need inside knowledge to see he's a hugely-talented performer.

WILSON PALACIOS

The Honduras international cost £12m from Wigan, having originally made his name in England at Birmingham. The 26-year-old is a combative performer who has added a little bite to the Spurs midfield.

LUKA MODRIC

Croatia international signed in the summer of 2008 for an initial £15m.

Only 5ft 7in, but makes up for his lack of inches with fantastic skill.

The attacking midfielder starred in Croatia's victory over England at Wembley in November 2007, which denied Steve McClaren's side a place in Euro 2008.

GARETH BALE

Tottenham's player of the moment, having produced some electric performances on the left of midfield.

The converted left-back has pace, strength and an ability to deliver dangerous crosses.

The 20-year-old Wales international looks well worth the £5m he cost Spurs from Southampton in the summer of 2007.

UP FRONT

JERMAIN DEFOE

The 27-year-old England striker has already scored 26 goals this season... surely enough to guarantee his place on the plane to the World Cup.

ROMAN PAVLYUCHENKO

The Russia international – who cost £14m from Spartak Moscow in August 2008 – is back in favour and has scored eight goals in his last six games.

ON THE BENCH

BEN ALNWICK

Reserve goalkeeper joined Spurs from Sunderland three years ago for £900,000. Since had loans at Luton, Leicester, Carlisle and Norwich.

YOUNES KABOUL

Another ex-Portsmouth star, the 24-year-old defender rejoined Spurs in January for £5m, 18 months after leaving White Hart Lane for Fratton Park.

EIDUR GUDJOHNSEN

The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker joined Spurs in January on a loan deal from Monaco until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old was poised to join West Ham after having a medical with them. But Spurs swooped to add to their firepower.

PETER CROUCH

The 29-year-old striker is a probable, but not yet a certainty, for the England squad, so will be hoping to get his Tottenham place back from Pavlyuchenko.

The 6ft 7in hitman has scored 14 goals so far.

DANNY ROSE

The 19-year-old midfielder is an England Under-21 international who has had loans in the Championship with Watford and Peterborough over the last 12 months.

JAKE LIVERMORE

The 20-year-old midfielder joined Crewe on a six-month loan last season, but broke his leg in a pre-season friendly before he could play a league game. Had loans at Derby and Peterborough this season.

KYLE WALKER

The 19-year-old defender joined Spurs from Sheffield United in the summer, but has just completed a six-month loan back to the Blades.