HENRIK Pedersen had Spurs in his sights today as he stepped up his comeback bid.

The determined Dane, sidelined after dislocating his shoulder in the derby draw with Manchester United, is confident of being ready to face Glenn Hoddle's side in the Sky TV showpiece at the Reebok on March 24.

If he makes it, a month-long injury lay-off will have cost him just two Premiership appearances.

"The doctor originally said between three and five weeks and the Spurs game will be four weeks - so that's about right," Pedersen confirmed today.

"It's going very well so far. I've started to do play football with the physios but no contact work. Hopefully that will come in the next day or two."

Pedersen damaged the ligaments in his shoulder when he fell heavily after a collision with United keeper Fabien Barthez in the second half of the Reebok derby. He was cleared to resume light training after spending a week with his arm in a sling.

"I knew there was something wrong straight away," he recalled.

"It felt like the bone was sticking out but, obviously, it wasn't. I didn't need to go to hospital."

The burly striker was enjoying his best form going into the United game and just moments before his injury had been denied his sixth goal of the season when Barthez kept out his close-range header with an outstanding save.

"Injuries always seem to come at a bad time," he told Wanderers TV. "I was playing very well and scoring some goals. My form has been good for most of the season but, after you score the first goal, the next one is a little bit easier.

"After Christmas, I had some good games, scored three goals and things were going very well until the injury, which set me back a little. But I hope to be back soon."