Spurs keeper Gomes given Redknapp boost

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - New Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp defended Heurelho Gomes on Tuesday over the Brazilian goalkeeper's erratic start to the season.

Gomes, signed from PSV Eindhoven in June, faces his first north London derby against Arsenal on Wednesday when his eccentric style will again come under scrutiny.

"He's a top keeper, he's a brave keeper," Redknapp told reporters. "He doesn't hide on his line and let people head balls at his goal.

"If he thinks he can come out and deal with the situation he will do it. Everybody who has watched him over the years in Holland thinks he's a world class keeper.

"I like him, he's a character," added Redknapp. "He can go on to become a top goalkeeper in the Premier League."

Gomes, nicknamed the 'Octopus' by PSV fans for his long arms, has taken his share of the blame for Tottenham's worst start to a league season.

He was also at fault in a UEFA Cup defeat at Udinese last week when he conceded a penalty trying to dribble round a striker.

In a recent defeat at Stoke City, Gomes knocked out team mate Vedran Corluka when coming out to punch a cross.