'When we listened to Stevie talking like that, it resonated with us'

Former Tottenham midfielder David Howells believes "there is enough character and talent" in the squad to avoid the club's first relegation in 49 years.

With Spurs sitting one point above the bottom three, Howells thinks the players would benefit from hearing from someone such as club legend Steve Perryman, who was assistant boss on one of the occasions Spurs staved off relegation during the 1990s.

"I do remember Steve Perryman being brilliant around that time," Howells said. "He said despite all the success he had as a player and the trophies that he won, one of the things that stayed with him was the shame and embarrassment of getting relegated with Tottenham Hotspur.

"If I could get Steve Perryman in that current dressing room today, I would put him there now and have that chat with the guys.

"I'm not saying there are any players not trying, but I think sometimes you hear a different voice and especially a voice like Steve Perryman, a legend of the club saying stuff like that... when we listened to Stevie talking like that, it resonated with us."

Howells added: "It can only come from the players. We will scream our heads off in the stadium, but it has to come from them.

"To not have Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison in the changing room all season has been a massive reason for where we are, but I do think Tottenham have the characters to stay up.

"I don't know if those two will play again this season, hopefully they do, but looking around the rest of the group, I think there is enough character, talent and hopefully belief to do it."

Tottenham, who have have failed to win any of their past 13 league fixtures, will face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in their first match after the international break on Sunday, 12 April.