Redknapp: Mish-mash side to play in FA Cup

Goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Jermain Defoe in the final three minutes of extra-time sent holders Spurs to Wembley again, despite blowing the 4-1 lead they had established over Burnley following the semi-final first-leg at White Hart Lane a fortnight ago.

And in his post-match interview with broadcaster Sky Sports, the victorious Spurs boss - who won the FA Cup with Portsmouth last season, beating United at Old Trafford in the last eight - admitted that a second string side will be sent to play the English, European and World champions at the weekend.

“That [the Fourth Round tie] is so secondary to me right now,” said Redknapp.

“If Alex is listening, I’m going to send a real mish-mash team up there. I hope it doesn’t upset the supporters but we played extra time tonight and we were out on our feet.

“The lads who didn’t play tonight will play and I’m going to rest key players that played tonight as I can’t afford to lose any more through injuries.

“It will be a very weakened team going to Old Trafford because we play Stoke [in the Premier League] on Tuesday."

Redknapp’s comments will surely add further fuel to the fire accusing top-flight sides of devaluing the world’s oldest cup competition, with Premier League teams frequently criticised for fielding under-strength sides in order to rest players for what are deemed to be more important league fixtures.

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