Exclusive: Stephen Carr backs Tottenham to qualify for Champions League again under Thomas Frank

Ex-Tottenham full-back Stephen Carr believes his former club are poised to retain their place in the Champions League under the tutelage of Thomas Frank.

Spurs appointed the ex-Brentford boss this summer as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked despite winning the Europa League following a dismal domestic campaign.

Frank's time at Tottenham has started impressively in terms of results, with just one defeat to Bournemouth accompanying four victories and two draws in the Premier League, leaving them just two points behind early leaders Arsenal.

The German's style of play is significantly more pragmatic than that of Postecoglou and while it is unlikely to always leave fans on the edge of their seats, ex-Ireland international Carr believes it will herald strong results in the long term.

Solid Spurs can seal Champions League spot

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now on behalf of My Betting Sites Australia, Carr said: "He is doing really well with his style. Defensively Spurs have looked a lot better than last season.

"The goalkeeper [Giglieimo Vicario] looks to have gained more confidence. The centre backs are fit and are forming a good relationship and both full backs are also playing well.

"When you have a settled back four it does really help and last year, it was all chop and change with so many injuries.

I also think having Joao Palhinha in centre midfield makes a big difference as he is a top player who breaks up the play.

"The City away win was excellent and although they had a blip at home to Wolves, only taking a point, they followed it up with a very good away win at Leeds.

"I think Spurs can achieve Champions League football again this season, definitely. They have a good enough squad, injured players to come back in and are playing the type of football which gets results."

Spurs going under the radar

Carr also believes that noise around a lot of the other clubs at the top end of the Premier League plays into the hands of Spurs perfectly.

He explained: "They are now going under the radar, which is exactly what you want as a new head coach.

"When people are talking about you, it brings a bit more expectation, so you just want to go about your business quietly for as long as you can.

"There has been too much noise around the club the past few years. Thomas has overseen a great start and I'm excited to see where they go from here."

And Carr also thinks Spurs are well positioned for a tilt at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, now they have got the monkey of not winning a trophy for such an extended period off their back.

He said: "There is also no reason why they can’t go far in the domestic cups as well. Particularly if they get some luck with injuries."

"All in all, I feel there's lots to be optimistic about with Frank at the helm."

Important period upcoming for Tottenham

Once the international break is completed, Spurs will be keen to maintain their positive start and have what looks like an intriguing set of fixtures coming up.

First comes a home clash with slow-starting Aston Villa, before a trip to fellow high-fliers Everton a week later at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium – where the Toffees currently remain unbeaten.

Wedged in between those games is a Champions League trip to Monaco, which on paper looks a good chance for some precious away points to aid a bid at qualifying for the knockout stages automatically.

Beyond that, things get tougher for Frank and co with a Carabao Cup last 16 trip to St James' Park to take on Newcastle, before Premier League games with Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Should Spurs still be in the top-four mix after that run of fixtures, excitement will really start to build about what is attainable this term in North London.