Peter Crouch has admitted Tottenham squandered the chance to pull away from Liverpool in the chase for a Champions League finish.

Spurs - who missed the chance to go eight points clear of the Merseyside giants last month when they lost 2-0 at Anfield - have lost speed in their bid for a top-four finish with two successive draws since Dirk Kuyt's double sunk them in January.

"There was an opportunity earlier in the season," said England striker Crouch.

"We had a couple of draws and it was frustrating we couldn't pull away more. But I still feel we have enough ability.

"You look around the dressing room at the players who aren't playing and there is so much quality here. I still believe we have a real opportunity."

After three seasons at Anfield, Crouch knows how dangerous Liverpool will be now they have edged back into the top four.

"The previous seasons don't lie," Crouch said. "They have always been in the Champions League.

"They had a blip at the start of the season and people said other people can get in there but if I'm honest if you want to get in the Champions League then Liverpool will be the toughest side to displace.

"We have to make sure we are in there and in a position to do that."

 
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