Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood believes Spurs are a striker short of challenging for the top four this season.

The north London club will rely upon the erratic Emmanuel Adebayor, youngster Harry Kane and Roberto Soldado, who struggled during his first season at White Hart Lane, to fire them into the Champions League.

And Sherwood, who was removed from his post earlier this year, claims new boss Mauricio Pochettino is asking too much of the trio.

“Tottenham are one striker short of challenging for a top four spot,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “It doesn’t get any easier to break into the top four.

“The emergence of Liverpool has put everyone’s nose out because it’s another spot which looks like it’s going to be taken. Brendan has done a great job there.”