Spurs will make it through to the last eight of the competition if they avoid defeat against the seven-time European champions at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night after their first-leg victory in the San Siro three weeks ago. Part of the club's success this season has been down to the strike partnership of Van der Vaart and Peter Crouch, with the latter providing valuable knock-downs to help the Dutchman to bag 12 goals this year. Milan forward Robinho had claimed that Tottenham's success owed much to hitting long balls to the towering hitman, something which Van der Vaart admits has brought the club rewards this year. He says there is nothing wrong with the tactic, though, insisting that the club should continue to use it if it brings victories. "When Crouch is playing then it's normal we try to reach him because he's a big guy and I'm always behind him," Van der Vaart said. "I've already scored six or seven times when he put the ball down, I'm always there. "It's our quality and it's really hard to defend. We want to reach the final and if it's with long balls then it's with long balls." Van der Vaart has combined well with Crouch this year to make a stunning impact since his deadline day move from Real Madrid last summer. Having had spells at Hamburg, Real Madrid and Ajax, the 28-year-old Dutchman now feels settled in London and hopes that the club's push for silverware this season will not be a one-off. "It's gone so well, I feel really at home here. My first days it felt like it was a family," he said. "It's a great team. I like to be here in England, the people are really open, my team-mates love to play with me that's why I played so well. "But it's still half-time, the big games are coming. Only thing is that I have to stay fit." Van der Vaart missed out on Sunday's 3-3 draw against Wolves with a calf injury but will be available to help Tottenham's bid to reach the quarter-finals on Wednesday after declaring himself fit on Tuesday evening. The Dutchman has made it to the last eight of the Champions League with Ajax in 2003 when the Eredivisie outfit were knocked out by Milan. He is convinced that he can gain revenge over the Rossoneri with Tottenham so long as he and his team-mates stick to their attacking principles. "It's going to be hard they know now we have a good team and can play well," the forward said. "It's one game to go, they will give everything. It will be hard. "I have a feeling we will reach our level have a good chance to win the game. We want to attack, not defend. We have a great attacking team so we have to do that tomorrow." Whether Tottenham hold out against Milan could depend on their ability to shackle Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede has earned a reputation for being one of the most feared strikers in Europe but has struggled against English teams, scoring just twice in 12 appearances. He has never won a match against an English team but Van der Vaart, who used to play alongside him at Ajax, is wary of the threat the former Barcelona striker could pose. "He is one of the best strikers in the world," he said. "He's so strong. He's a big guy but also has a lot of technique and I like to watch him because he's important for Milan. "I don't know why he never won against an English team. He's big and strong but I'm happy we have a big and strong defence too."
