Caulker targets Spurs spot

Steven Caulker: Determined to fight for his place in the Spurs side next season

Steven Caulker has set his sights on breaking into the Tottenham first team after signing a new deal at White Hart Lane.

Caulker, who enjoyed a successful campaign on loan at Swansea last season, has been rewarded for his progress with a new contract until 2016.

The highly-rated defender has received assurances he is part of Tottenham's plans next season under Andre Villas-Boas and he is determined to challenge the likes of Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul for a place in the starting line-up.

"I have been here since I was 15. I worked my way through and hopefully this is the year I get my opportunity and it's up to me to take it," Caulker told Spurs TV Online.

"I have just had a chat with the manager. It's nice to see that I am in his plans. It's nice to hear I have his confidence and his backing so I am looking forward to next season.

"I will have to work hard this year. There are some fantastic centre halves so it's not going to be an easy ride but I have confidence and hopefully with a bit of hard work it will pay off.