Tottenham's new keeper Heurelho Gomes: My big debt of thanks to Blues boss

Tottenham's new keeper Heurelho Gomes is planning a dinner date with rival manager Luiz Felipe Scolari to thank him for his lucrative move into the Premier League.

Gomes admits he would not have been playing at the highest level had it not been for the influence of the new Chelsea boss when he was coming through the ranks with Brazilian side Cruzeiro.

The Brazilian keeper is determined to make a major impact following his £7million move from PSV Eindhoven during the summer and intends to become one of the best keepers in the English game.

Gomes knows the rivalry which exists between Tottenham and Chelsea, but he is determined to keep his friendship with the former Brazil and Portugal boss and hopes to repay him with a five-course meal at his luxury home in Essex.

Gomes said: "I worked with Scolari at Cruzeiro in 2001. I remember when he was coaching me and said if I maintain my form, I will be able to play for any team in the world.

"The fact that came from such a highly respected coach like Luiz Felipe Scolari helped me a lot and was a big motivating factor. It was not long after that I went to PSV Eindhoven.

"If there is an opportunity that comes up I will invite him for dinner and that would be excellent.

"The English public can expect a lot of work from Scolari this season because he loves to work."

Gomes knows he has a big task to win over the Tottenham fans following their close relationship with Paul Robinson in the last few years.

The talented keeper is no stranger to forging a close bond with the home support and reveals he even had an open house in Eindhoven where the PSV fans could come to visit him at most times of the day.

Gomes added: "Eindhoven is a very small town compared to London. I lived near to a school and the students knew me and where I lived.

"They were always coming to my house wanting autographs and ringing the bell. At times when I was sleeping and needing my rest I would put up a sign telling them to come back later.

"The best time to sleep for me is around 2pm and they would always come around that time. But here I will try and find a house which is the closest to the training ground because the traffic is horrendous."

Gomes is well aware that former Tottenham keepers have struggled to produce their best form at White Hart Lane over the last few years.

Robinson came under fire last season following several major blunders which cost him his position as England's No.1.

Tottenham fans will also have nightmare memories over some of the mistakes that Ian Walker, Neil Sullivan and Kasey Keller made as the club's No.1.

But Gomes is refusing to consider being a flop for the north London club and is determined to maintain the form which made him such a hero at PSV.

Gomes said: "I am not afraid of challenges and was born to win. Any place can be a graveyard, but it can also be a place of success.

"I just like to be quick, both for the high ball and on the ground. I like to cut out crosses and physically I'm prepared for that.

"You have to say what is necessary on the field, I like to give reassurance to the defence and to let them know they have someone good behind them. That's what I do."

Tottenham fans should also be bracing themselves for one of the longest throws in the modern game.

Gomes insists that he doesn't have to do any extra practice and that his new team-mates will soon get used to his attacking style of play.

Gomes added: "It is natural and there is no special training for that. I might have a particular forward in mind that I want to throw the ball to and the aim is to reach them.

"It is more precise getting the ball to them than kicking it."