Fulham skipper Danny Murphy says Tottenham need to establish a core of local players if they're to be successful.

"It is important to have a strong English nucleus at any club, or at least a nucleus of players who know what the club means," said the Fulham captain. "Look at Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. They all have it.

"When I was at Spurs, I was conscious that they were always trying to look for young English talent, as opposed to looking for players from abroad on free transfers or Bosman deals. The way they are playing, there is no reason why they can't finish in the top six."