Rafa defends Spurs' tactics

Van der Vaart: Happy

Tottenham ace Rafael van der Vaart is happy to play long-ball football against AC Milan if it knocks out the Italians in the UEFA Champions League.

Spurs go into the game at White Hart Lane leading 1-0 from the first leg thanks to Peter Crouch's goal at the San Siro.

Milan forward Robinho has suggested Tottenham's success owed much to hitting long balls to Crouch and looking for the knock-downs.

Van der Vaart, who is fit to play after a calf problem, has formed a good understanding with Crouch and the Dutchman insists there is nothing wrong with the tactic, especially if it brings success to Tottenham.

"When Crouch is playing then it's normal we try to reach him because he's a big guy and I'm always behind him," Van der Vaart said.

"I've already scored six or seven times when he put the ball down, I'm always there.

"It's our quality and it's really hard to defend. We want to reach the final and if it's with long balls then it's with long balls."

Settled

Van der Vaart, who joined Spurs from Real Madrid in the summer admits he feels settled in London and hopes that the club's push for silverware this season will not be a one-off.

"It's gone so well, I feel really at home here. My first days it felt like it was a family," added Van der Vaart.

"It's a great team. I like to be here in England, the people are really open, my team-mates love to play with me that's why I played so well.

"But it's still half-time, the big games are coming. Only thing is that I have to stay fit."

Van der Vaart is expecting a tough game against Milan and he insists Spurs will not sit back and try and defend their lead from the first leg.

"It's going to be hard they know now we have a good team and can play well," continued Van der Vaart.

"It's one game to go, they will give everything. It will be hard.

"I have a feeling we will reach our level have a good chance to win the game. We want to attack, not defend. We have a great attacking team so we have to do that tomorrow."