Peter Crouch's third-minute goal gave Tottenham a narrow 1-0 Premier League win at Blackburn on Wednesday to boost its chances of again qualifying for the Champions League.
Tottenham had several key players injured or suspended but Crouch clinched victory for the depleted team, leaping above defender Christopher Samba to head Rafael van der Vaart's cross into the corner.
Tottenham kept a firm hold of fifth place and is three points behind Chelsea, which occupies fourth place and the final Champions League qualifying spot.
''It's a great result for us. I was delighted with the performance,'' Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said. ''We had to chop and change it a bit this week.''
With Robbie Keane on loan at West Ham, Crouch made the most of his chance to impress. At the back, William Gallas and Sebastien Bassong ensured Spurs didn't concede a goal.
Tottenham was also missing Gareth Bale, Michael Dawson, Ledley King, Luka Modric and Tom Huddlestone.
Blackburn came close to equalizing late on but goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes was in top form and midfielder Jermaine Jenas got a vital touch in injury time to divert Samba's on-target header to safety.
Blackburn is ninth, 10 points behind Tottenham.
