Former Spurs winger Chris Waddle believes that Tottenham should retain the services of Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch this summer, and is backing the Lilywhites for silverware in the upcoming campaign.

ESPN commentator Waddle was an FA Cup finalist with Spurs in 1987, and made 173 appearances for the club between 1985-89, scoring 42 goals.

While fans are anxious to see changes in the front line before September 1, Waddle feels that Redknapp should keep faith with the two strikers he signed from his former club Portsmouth.

“If I was Harry, I would keep both of those players, especially with the amount of games the club could play,” he said.

“I think last season was a bit of a strange one for Defoe. He probably struggled with confidence and injuries.

“As for Crouch, he never lets you down and he scored quite a few goals in the Champions League.

“Spurs should do well in all competitions. In my opinion there are too many games in the Europa League – it should go back to the old format and be a straight knockout competition.

“But that is why you need such big squads these days, and many people in my situation feel Redknapp has one of the strongest squads in the Premier League at his disposal. It was just injuries that cost them last season.”

While Waddle has voiced his support for Crouch and Defoe, the 50-year-old concedes that his former club need to sign a new front man – and he admits that he is watching the Luka Modric saga with interest.

“Spurs probably need a striker and another defender after Jonathan Woodgate’s departure – and maybe a midfielder if Modric leaves,” he said.

“For Tottenham it is very important to keep hold of their best players. It would show the rest of the players at the club and the fans that there is intent to succeed.

“The problem with Modric is that, if he wants to leave, players have all the power now, so do you keep an unhappy player or take the money and invest, or even exchange?”

Chris Waddle is a football commentator for ESPN, which broadcasts live coverage of the Barclays Premier League, starting on Saturday 13th August with Newcastle Utd v Arsenal at 4.45pm. For details visit espn.co.uk/tv.