City cling to Euro dream

MANCHESTER City’s hopes of securing a place in the inaugural Europa League hang by a thread.

Manager Mark Hughes admits tomorrow’s Premier League match at Tottenham is make-or-break as they must win to keep alive their hopes of a top-seven finish.

City are in a four-way battle with Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham for the one remaining Europa place.

But after slipping to 10th after their defeat in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, City could miss out even if they defeat Tottenham and Bolton in their two remaining fixtures.

The importance of playing in Europe cannot be underestimated, especially when it comes to City’s mega-rich owners from Abu Dhabi trying to entice world-class players to Eastlands.

City are still some way from competing with the elite in the Champions League, but the Europa League is a carrot to dangle before would-be signings.

Hughes was far from downcast after seeing his side’s four- match winning run come to an end at the Old Trafford.

He said: “I don’t think many people would have given us a chance of getting something out of the derby game.

“The challenge is to get three points at Tottenham and also win at home to Bolton.

“If we can pick up six points we will go close, and we would have to wait and see how the other teams do.”

City’s prospects of winning at White Hart Lane won’t be helped if Robinho joins Shaun Wright-Phillips on the sidelines.

The Brazilian limped out of the derby with a groin strain while Wright-Phillips is set to miss a sixth match with a knee injury.

The lure of playing in Europe is something Spurs can hardly have envisaged as they battled against relegation in the early part of the season.

But they produced a remarkable turnabout in their fortunes after Harry Redknapp succeeded Juande Ramos as manager.