Artur Boruc dreams of European adventure for Southampton – at the expense of Spurs

Poland goalkeeper looking for all three points at White Hart Lane in battle for Europa League qualification

Artur Boruc in action for Southampton

Southampton head for White Hart Lane today with the twin aims of overhauling Tottenham Hotspur in the race for a Europa League place and trying to persuade the club to extend the contract of their manager, Mauricio Pochettino.

Saints are eight points behind today's opponents in the Premier League table with eight games to play but Artur Boruc, their Poland goalkeeper, said: "We're going there to grab all three points. I think we are good enough. Of course, I'm still thinking about that European spot, and it's going to be hard. But we've shown this season that we are able to compete with the biggest clubs in England.

"I felt in the beginning of the season it was going to be harder to be in the top 10, but with the way we've played I think with a little luck we could do much better. Playing in Europe is a great experience for everybody. You can only improve from that. I think you will probably see it next season."

Pochettino has admitted the Europa League is not a competition that excites him, but qualification could be a powerful card in negotiations with Southampton's owner Katharina Liebherr and the new chairman Ralph Krueger over his contract, which is due to expire at the end of next season.

"I think the boss shows lots of commitment to the club, and I think he knows what to do with the bunch of players as we are," Boruc said. "We can be a very good team [if he stays] here." How good? "That's the thing in my life – I'm dreaming big and good things happen to me. I was a guy from a little town in Poland who's become a football player, so I can tell you that dreams come true. Why not with Southampton Football Club? Why not play in the Champions' League?

"There's a [number] of games left and you can grab a good amount of points. We're playing our game, and we're always going to try to win."

Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton is live on Sky Sports 1 today, kick-off 1.30pm