Harry Redknapp: Teams should treat Carling Cup seriously

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp does not understand why some Premier League sides do not put out their best sides for Carling Cup matches.

Spurs begin their campaign on Tuesday night when they face Stoke at the Britannia in the third round. The former Portsmouth boss has said that it is a tournament he is desperate to win.

"I can't understand how teams that are mid-table and not going to get into Europe just don't go for it. I don't know why they don't care about it,” he said.

"Birmingham won it last year. What a great day for them that was. I want to go all the way to Wembley in it if I can.

"I will do it by juggling my team around if I can because we are in Europe but I will go there tomorrow with a team that I feel can win the game."

Spurs last won the trophy in 2008 when they beat Chelsea in the final.