Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood has insisted that qualifying for the Europa League is important to the club.

Spurs can book their place in the competition at the expense of Manchester United if they defeat Aston Villa on Sunday, a match that Sherwood believes is "huge" for his side.

"We want to finish with maximum points if possible, we know they are going to be tough, they carry a threat on the counter attack and are better away from home than they have been at home," he told reporters.

"I will be guaranteeing to our fans that I will be selecting a team that want to play for Tottenham in this last game and want to be playing in the Europa League next season. I think that is hugely important for a club like Tottenham. Everyone aspires to be in the Champions League but we know how difficult it is to actually achieve that.

"We've got a big squad of players and when they're all fit... they need a games programme and I think the Europa League gives them opportunities to play games, keep themselves mentally prepared and physically ready."

Spurs are currently three points ahead of United in sixth place in the table.