Gomes eyeing Spurs starting spot

Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has vowed to fight for a starting berth at White Hart Lane.

The Brazilian was constantly left on the bench as Harry Redknapp favoured American Brad Friedel, but with the former Portsmouth manager no longer in charge of Tottenham, Gomes is prepared to battle for his place.

Former PSV Eindhoven shot-stopper Gomes had previously made it clear he wanted to move away from north London in search of first-team football.

“It was a very hard season, I was desperate to leave,” Gomes told Arena SporTV. “Now things have changed, as the manager left last week.”

He also spoke of his ambition to get back into the Brazil national squad, and intends to show selectors what he can offer on the pitch.

“I want to return to the national team but I have to play first,” Gomes said.

“Once I’m playing again, my focus will be on returning to the national team. I know how good it is to be there.

“Of course, they are rejuvenating the national team, but I’m only 31, which is a good age. I’ll do very well this season.”

The goalkeeper only managed four appearances last season, with none of those coming in the English Premier League.