Hazard: Spurs need title over top four

Former Tottenham player Micky Hazard feels Spurs should aim to win the Europa League and finish in the Premier League’s top four.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side are third in the table and are set to face Basel on Thursday in the first leg of their European quarter-final but the former Spurs star argued winning a trophy should be their number one priority.

Hazard told Goal.com: “I think it’s possible for Spurs to win both the Europa League and finish fourth but, if I had to choose one, it’d be winning the Europa League. Football’s about glory and winning a trophy is the glory.

“I think we’ll finish fourth – although I believe we are better than that – but we need to be tougher mentally against the top clubs as we are as good as them.”

The one-time UEFA Cup champion said winning the Europa League could help bolster Tottenham’s chances of holding onto their most prized asset Gareth Bale, who has been linked to a move to Real Madrid after scoring 18 Premier League goals this season.

“I hope and pray he stays and, of course, winning the Europa League and finishing fourth could well secure that,” Hazard added of the Welshman.

“But I believe that we are a great club and any player should be proud to play for us.

“We have had a great season and have looked a good side for a few years.

“Villas-Boas has proved his critics wrong but still the job is not done. When he wins us a trophy then he is complete but I am very pleased with Andre so far.”