Roberto Soldado admits disappointment with form since £26m switch to Tottenham

Roberto Soldado admits his form has not been up to scratch since moving to England, but the Tottenham striker is confident he will start scoring more goals soon.

Much had been expected of Soldado when Spurs shelled out £26million for the striker from Valencia in the summer.

The 28-year-old started promisingly, scoring two match-winning penalties, and a brace in the Europa League.

But he has scored two goals since - with one of them coming again from the penalty spot.

In a relatively frank interview with Tottenham's in-house TV channel, Spurs TV, Soldado conceded that he is still trying to adapt to how the team play, but he believes everything will start clicking soon.

"I have scored six goals but I would like to score many more," Soldado said,

"I am a realist and I know that on the pitch I am not happy with everything.

"I am not combining with my team-mates how I would like but I know I am very close.

"I'm striving to get to top form and play at 100 per cent. I am convinced that I am almost there.

"I don't want to stop scoring goals, that's why Tottenham signed me. I'm not 100 per cent but the manager has put his faith in me end he is giving me minutes. Scoring more goals for this team is my target.

"I have scored decisive goals that have won matches, they might have been penalties, but I want more and the manager wants more and that is what I want to give to the fans."

Jermain Defoe is pushing for a starting spot after scoring nine goals in the cup competitions.

Soldado's pedigree cannot be questioned, however.

The Spaniard scored more than 20 goals in each of his three seasons at Valencia, and his track record at Osasuna, Getafe, and Real Madrid is also impressive.

But, just like many other foreign players who come to the Barclays Premier League, a period of adjustment both on and off the pitch is required.

Although Soldado spoke on this occasion through an interpreter, his grasp of the English language is improving, and his family are also beginning to settle in London too.

There is one aspect of life in particular which has changed dramatically over the last few months, though.

"The first thing that people tell you when you make a change like this is about the weather," Soldado said with a smile.

"Valencia has 10 or 11 months of sun and here's the opposite - there's only two or three months, but you have to look at the positives as well from this. I only look at the positives."

Another thing Soldado will have to get used to is the lack of a winter break this Christmas.

"It's going to be different," Soldado said.

"Before I used to spend Christmas with my family, now I am going to spend it with my team-mates.

"But I think it's nice because the fans, who are in my opinion, the most important part of football, can enjoy so many matches.

"It's important that the children can come to matches. It's nice for them to enjoy the environment."

Meanwhile, Tottenham received the welcome news on Tuesday that Christian Eriksen's ankle injury is not as bad as first feared.

Eriksen hobbled off 40 minutes into Denmark's 2-1 win over Norway following a late tackle from Vegard Forren.

Spurs feared the 21-year-old had ruptured ankle ligaments, but scans revealed he had only suffered a sprain.

Press Association Sport understands that Tottenham expect to be without the playmaker for around four weeks.

PA