Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has backed his opposite number Mick McCarthy to lead Wolves to Premier League safety this season.

Redknapp welcomes McCarthy’s men to White Hart Lane tomorrow in Spurs’ first home game since the 9-1 thrashing of Wigan three weeks ago.

His side are the third highest scorers in the top flight and on course for a place in the Champions League, but Redknapp believes McCarthy’s determination will inspire Wolves to beat the drop.

The Spurs boss said: “I saw Wolves at Chelsea a few weeks ago. They ended up getting well beaten, but in the first 15 minutes they had three or four unbelievable chances.

“Chelsea don’t concede any goals, but Wolves still created three or four great opportunities. I think they have a big chance of staying up.

“It will be close down at the bottom, and a team needs great spirit, which Wolves will get from Mick McCarthy.

“There’s no reason why they can’t stay in this league.”

Spurs are without centre-backs Ledley King (knee) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin), while left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto (groin) is doubtful with midfielder Wilson Palacios (rib).

Playmaker Luka Modric could be on the bench after being out since August with a fractured fibula, following 70 minutes in a midweek practice match.

The absence of two recognised central defenders means Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is aiming to find any chink in their armoury, after they conceded two late goals to draw 2-2 at Everton last Sunday.

He added: “It’s a 38-game season and we’re not even halfway there yet so I’m convinced if I play enough games, then I’ll score enough goals.”