Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker believes his team missed the presence of boss Harry Redknapp during their 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield last night.
The Spurs manager missed the game after technical difficulties on his flight left him stranded in London, where he had been facing trial for tax evasion.
In the manager's absence, Parker produced a heroic performance in-front of the onlooking Fabio Capello, as Tottenham's dogged defence kept the Reds at bay during 90 minutes of unspectacular football. Parker is thought to be one of the potential candidates to replace John Terry as captain of England during Euro 2012.
Redknapp has seen very little of his players as he continues to fight allegations at Southwark Crown Court, and Parker reflected on what has been a difficult period for the north London club.
He told Sky Sports: “I think it’s always going to have an effect when your manager’s not here, especially Harry. Our gaffer inspires us, he gives us that extra bit of energy, so we’ve missed him to be fair over the last two weeks.
“He’s key to our team and key to what we’ve done this year. We’ll be absolutely delighted when he gets back and we’ll keep going on and keep fighting.”
The England midfielder was happy to leave Liverpool with a point, as Spurs kept the pressure on Manchester City and Manchester United in the race for the title this term.
He added: “When you come to Anfield it’s difficult, certainly tonight was no different. It was difficult at times for us. I felt we were a little bit one paced at times tonight.
“We’ve come here tonight and got a point which I suppose the most important thing. We kept a clean sheet and we haven’t lost the game so it was pleasing.”
