Tottenham could be heading for a head-on collision with UEFA after club coach Tim Sherwood admitted they would be fielding youth team players, resting key members of the squad in order to launch an assualt to re-break the top four.

UEFA fear Spurs could damage the integrity of the competition should they field a weakened side for their European games and are willing to discipline the North London side should they go ahead with their plans to sacrifice the Europa League in order to concentrate on the league.

“I don’t think it’s an ideal competition for a team who have got aspirations of playing Champions League football next season,” Sherwood said.

“But it’s a great opportunity to look at what we’ve got in reserve and I honestly believe that we have the players to step up and play.

“Liverpool have done it and they’ve got a good few players coming through and playing Premier League football at the end of the season.”

Spurs already have European football guaranteed next season regardless of Sunday’s result against Birmingham due to their performance in the fair play league. However, a fifth place finish will see them miss out the gruelling early season qualifiers that a set to begin in June.