All four of Crouch's goals have come in Europe this season

Tottenham striker Peter Crouch insists a top four finish in the Premier League is the team's priority this season.

Spurs climbed to fifth in the table with a 2-1 win against Aston Villa on Saturday at White Hart Lane.

Crouch told BBC London 94.9: "I can assure you everyone in the dressing room knows and thinks that the Premier League is the most important thing.

"Fourth would be fantastic, it's very difficult considering it's our first time in the Champions League."

Spurs have now won their last two Premier League matches that have followed Champions League fixtures and Crouch believes that is the hardest part of their task this season.

"If you can't get up for the Champions League games then you can't get up for any game," he added. "It's a great occasion, great atmosphere, but because it's such a high sometimes you can come down at a Premier League game that might not have that same importance.

"The manager has said the Premier League is so important for us, the only [other] way you get in the Champions League next year is if you win the thing."

Crouch set up both goals for Rafael van der Vaart in Saturday's win, the Dutch midfielder has now bagged four goals since joining from Real Madrid and Crouch says he is a fantastic addition to the squad.

"He's so clever and he does read where I'm going to be and where I'm going to put the ball. It's a pleasure playing with someone like that," said Crouch.

"Even in the European game [against FC Twente] he was reading my flick-on so well because he's an intelligent footballer, he's a fantastic player and the fans love him here already."

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