Redknapp rules himself out of Stamford Bridge role

The Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp, believes that the vacant managerial vacancy at Chelsea would be a "dream job", but not for him.

"It's a dream job for someone to go and make a success of it," Redknapp said yesterday, ahead of tonight's FA Cup fifth-round replay against Stevenage. "The owner has spared no expense, he's built the most incredible training ground, and they buy players at the top level.

"So many people would love that job, but you have to make a success of it. If you don't, you're not going to last. But if you do well, the sky's the limit."

Redknapp did insist, though, that he was not interested in that particular vacancy. "That's all I need," he joked. "I wouldn't be able to come back to north London. I'll pass on that one."

Jermain Defoe will be brought into the Spurs team tonight, and his manager believes that, despite limited chances this season, he still has "every chance" of making the England squad for Euro 2012.

"I'm sure he could," Redknapp said when asked whether Defoe could still be part of the squad. "There's a shortage of strikers. If you look round England, Darren Bent's out for the season. It's certainly a problem position for England."

Redknapp did make clear that any changes tonight were to ensure a fit and fresh team, rather than merely gifting fringe players a chance. "I want to win," he said. "I'm going to put a very strong team out. I wouldn't be taking liberties with this game." Gareth Bale and Scott Parker are likely to play, having missed Sunday's defeat to Manchester United with illness and suspension respectively.