You don’t scare us, City

YOUNES KABOUL has hit back in the war of words with Manchester City and insisted: You aren't scary.

City's Joleon Lescott claimed this week they do not see third-placed Spurs as a major title threat.

Kaboul, though, reckons Harry Redknapp's men can win at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday and shake up the race for Premier League glory.

Roberto Mancini's table-topping City have £100million worth of strikers to choose from and also beat Spurs 5-1 earlier in the season.

But Kaboul said: "No, it's not scary. It will be the same as facing Wolves in our last game.

"It will be a tough away game with a good atmosphere but we can do something.

"Everyone is waiting for that game, it's going to be a big game and we need to prepare properly. I'm sure it will be a good one to watch."

Kaboul has fond memories of playing at City, after being part of the victory two seasons ago when Spurs sealed a place in the Champions League.

This term they have mounted a title challenge after suffering just one league defeat since City thumped them at White Hart Lane in August.

Like boss Redknapp, Kaboul reckons Spurs have an outside chance of taking the title.

But finishing in the top four again is the priority and the Frenchman added: "We are not talking about being champions, it's only outside the club that people think that.

"For us the only important thing is to work hard and try to be in the Champions League next season."

Kaboul, 26, has played a major role for Redknapp this season after taking advantage of injuries to Michael Dawson and William Gallas.

He is now an automatic choice at centre-back and said: "When you play every game you improve a lot — and that's what I'm doing.

"It is also because of the manager. I understand my job more now and I'm very happy to be part of the club."

Spurs will have to do without on-loan striker Emmanuel Adebayor at City as he cannot play against his parent club.

Jermain Defoe, who has attracted interest from Liverpool, is therefore in the frame to start for the visitors.

He said: "I'm 29 now and just want to play football.

"As it stands I'm a Tottenham player and if I play against City, I'll be fully committed."

Spurs' in-form winger Gareth Bale was yesterday named in UEFA.com users' team of the year.

Five Barcelona stars — Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi — also made the line-up along with Real Madrid trio Iker Casillas, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben and AC Milan's Thiago Silva completing it.

Wales international Bale, 22, said: "The fact that it's voted for by fans across Europe makes it a special honour."