LONDON: Striker Peter Crouch admits Tottenham must prove again they have the ability to keep pace with his former club Liverpool in the Premier League. Liverpool last suffered defeat in the top-flight before Christmas and their recent run has taken them back into the top four after doubts whether they would even make Europe towards the start of the campaign.

Spurs led the race among the challengers for the final Champions League place during Liverpool's slump, but they also suffered home defeats to Stoke and Wolves as well as dropping points to Hull and Everton when they should have won.

"There was an opportunity earlier in the season," said Crouch. "We had a couple of draws and it was frustrating we couldn't pull away more. But I still feel we have enough ability. You look around the dressing room at the players who aren't playing and there is so much quality here. I still believe we have a real opportunity."

After three seasons at Anfield, Crouch knows how dangerous Liverpool will be now they have edged back into the top four.

"The previous seasons don't lie. They have always been in the Champions League. They had a blip at the start of the season and people said other people can get in there. If I'm honest, if you want to get in the Champions League then Liverpool will be the toughest side to displace.

"We have to make sure we are in there and in a position to do that."

In Spurs' favour, results this season have been unpredictable and could give them a chance to mount another challenge for the top four. They take on Wolves in an away match on Thursday (3.45am) hoping for revenge after Mick McCarthy's men stunned them 1-0 at White Hart Lane earlier in the season.

"You think one team are cementing the fourth spot, then they lose and another team win," said Crouch. "It's going to be really tight until the end of the season, we have to make sure we are close enough right to the end.

"I believe we have enough. The manager strengthened in January with a couple of signings to add to the squad and I think we have enough ability. We have a big squad with international players who can come in and play in different positions. I'm sure we will be strong enough."

The two significant signings are striker Eidur Gudjohnson (on loan from Monaco) and centreback Younes Kaboul from Portsmouth. Frenchman Kaboul played for Spurs before his move to Pompey. Both the players may well see action against Wolves.