Harry Redknapp's immediate influence at Tottenham Hotspur can be seen with the rejuvenation of Luka Modric into a match-winner, capable of filling the boots of Robbie Keane, who could receive a mixed reception on his return to White Hart Lane today with Liverpool top and Spurs bottom.

It is amazing to think that it took so long for Tottenham to play Modric in his best position, behind Roman Pavlyuchenko, when it was obvious the team were missing a link man - a role so successfully occupied by Keane. Modric's renewed confidence could be seen in his determination to chase, skip past players and play one-twos around the box and test the goalkeeper more frequently.

Only ten days ago, he had been sinking and treading water in deepest midfield, or isolated on the left side, and he was forced to admit that he did not know where he should be playing when he came on against Udinese in the Uefa Cup group D match.

Redknapp has spoken to Slaven Bilic, his former player, who is Modric's coach with Croatia. “He thinks he is world class,” Redknapp said. “We have to give him the ball more, so that he can open things up. He's a special player. The big thing was that he wasn't intimidated against Arsenal. He could be a real star. He has that amazing football brain.”

The manager was thrilled by the team's revival, but appreciates their defence is so porous that a 2-0 victory against Bolton Wanderers and a comeback to draw 4-4 against Arsenal is not enough to suggest they have turned the corner.

Liverpool are less inventive than Arsenal, but may be better at seeing a game out when leading. “I've got a good feeling about Liverpool and against any in-form team,” Redknapp said. “We will have a go. I've seen enough this week to say we'll give them a good game. Liverpool beat Chelsea last week, but we've got confidence and we'll be positive. Football results can change everything and determine the mood. Everyone is up. We have to win home games to get out of trouble.”

The priority for Redknapp will be to play Ledley King in league matches - unlike Juande Ramos, the former head coach. The defender, who has a perpetual knee injury, could return to the squad today. “He can play two games in four days, but three games in a week is too much,” Redknapp said. “If it was a cup game midweek I would rest him. You can only manage his cartilage-type injury. He's a monster, strong, quick, powerful in the air. He's important and when he plays he can make a big difference. He's that good.”

Tim Sherwood, the former Spurs player who has been a pundit, has been appointed as a part-time coach and Redknapp hopes to bring in Les Ferdinand to help the forwards. “I'm not sure how I'm going to be involved,” Sherwood said.