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It has added to Redknapp's worries as he prepares for a period of six games in 17 days, starting with the UEFA Cup clash in Ukraine.

"I'm not blaming the pitch, but it's just a poor pitch," he said. "That's what you will get out here this time of year. You wouldn't play on a non-league pitch like that."

Redknapp has left five senior players at home as he prepares for a "crazy" fixture pile-up.

Spurs have the Carling Cup final on March 1 so the last-32 first-leg clash at RSK Olimpiyskyi is not Redknapp's priority.

Redknapp has left the likes of Jonathan Woodgate and Luka Modric in London as a result. Aaron Lennon, Carlo Cudicini and Wilson Palacios were not risked either, while Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe, Vedran Corluka and Roman Pavlyuchenko are cup-tied.

Eight youngsters have travelled to Donetsk and 17-year-old Dean Parrett could start against the Ukrainian champions.

"It's crazy the way they have piled the fixtures," Redknapp said. "After this we've got three weeks between every game."