Former Tottenham number one Erik Thorstvedt has given his back to Heurelho Gomes ahead of the new season.

The Brazilian came under-fire last season following a number of high profile gaffes that saw Spurs drop points against Chelsea and Blackpool.

Thorsvedt, who made over 200 appearances for Spurs during his seven-year stint with the club, was also purplexed as to the signing of Brad Friedel, who he feels, at 40, is too old to be the clubs number one.

“I didn’t quite understand the Brad Friedel signing. If you need a third goalie and he’s free and available then fair enough, but he’s over 40? It would be a strange thing for Tottenham to buy a new No.1 who is already over 40,” Thorsvedt, nicknamed ‘The Viking’, told talkSPORT.

“I would definitely go with Gomes [as first choice]. I’m a big fan of his, he does so many great things. Last season was not his best – he made some big mistakes, glaring mistakes – and you want a goalie who doesn’t make many mistakes and that the defence can trust.

“But he also does some incredible things. He’s still a top, top goalkeeper and I think the defenders still have lots of faith in him.”

‘The Viking’ also admitted he was surprised that manager Harry Redknapp hasn’t yet bought in a new striker as Spurs look to break back into the top four.

“I was expecting Spurs to sell a couple of strikers and buy an expensive big name. I like the strikers they’ve got but they didn’t score many goals last season,” he added