JAMIE REDKNAPP has hailed the "unique" quality of Peter Crouch, saying he would not be surprised if Saints' in-form striker received an England call-up.

Although not on the scoresheet, Crouch was again excellent on Saturday as he and Henri Camara caused the Tottenham defence constant problems.

Crouch has scored 11 goals in just 16 starts this season, but it is his all-round contribution which has so impressed former England international Redknapp, pictured left.

He said: "I can't speak highly enough of Peter Crouch. He's been absolutely brilliant this season. He offers something that is unique.

"He's 6ft 7ins, he's got fantastic touch and he brings people into play. There are not many forwards in as good a form as he's in.

"If someone told me he was going to get in the next England squad it wouldn't surprise me, I would be delighted for him.

"He's been top-class and he is such a weapon that if you use him right, he can give anyone problems.

"You have to use him correctly, but he's got everything. Some people might say he's not the easiest on the eye but he's got tremendous touch and can do things with the ball that Jermain Defoe can do.

"He's been such a good player. He's been immense for us.

"Ledley King and Tony Gardner really struggled to deal with him."

Saturday's 1-0 win was Redknapp's first match against Tottenham since leaving White Hart Lane during the January transfer window and he is full of praise for the progress his former club have made under Martin Jol.

He said: "This is the best Spurs team I've seen for an awful long time. They have got a bit of a backbone to them as well. It's a good Spurs team and I'm sure it can only get better and better because the average age is so young.

"When Jermain (Defoe) picks that ball up at times it's like it's tied to his foot.

"Mido looks like a threat. There's (Freddie) Kanoute and Robbie Keane is as good as any player in the country. When you have got players like him in the team you've got half a chance.

"I've been very impressed with Martin Jol. He's young, he's passionate and he's like a breath of fresh air to Tottenham."