Darren Bent was Tottenham's hero after coming off the bench to fire them into the last four - and save them from another half an hour of freezing conditions.

Extra-time was looming at Vicarage Road before Bent was brought on for Fraizer Campbell, with the striker netting at the near post with 14 minutes left to seal a 2-1 win for the holders.

"It was more about not staying out for another half an hour in the freezing cold," joked Bent on Sky Sports 1.

After winning the trophy under Juande Ramos in February, Spurs then struggled for form in the Premier League, leading to the Spaniard being replaced by Harry Redknapp at the end of October.

"We'd love to reach the final," Redknapp said. "I'm sure they enjoyed their day but they won the final and couldn't win a league game.

"We've got to realise where our priorities are. League games are all important for us."

Spurs are now in the hat with Manchester United, Burnley and Derby, giving Redknapp the scent of glory despite prioritising the league.

Redknapp, who won the FA Cup with Portsmouth last season, added: "You get this close and it's important to try to go all the way now. The priority is the league, then secondly this competition because we have a genuine chance.

"Alex (United boss Sir Alex Ferguson) will sniff the chance, he'll want to win it. He won't put his youth team out."

Spurs' grip on their trophy appeared to be loosening when Tamas Priskin opened the scoring in the 13th minute, only for Roman Pavlyuchenko to score from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

Bent came off the bench in the 65th minute to give Redknapp the spoils in his clash against brother-in-law Frank Lampard Snr, who last week was appointed as football consultant at Watford.

"I'm going out with him now for a bit of pasta and a glass of red wine," said Redknapp after the final whistle. "I'll end up paying as usual!"

Lampard is assisting new Watford boss Brendan Rodgers, who was encouraged by his side's performance, which belied their place towards the wrong end of the Championship.

"I've only been here one week and the players are a terrific bunch," he said. "It gives me big hope for the future.

"I've been really encouraged, the players have given me everything."

Rodgers, who saw Graham Simpson resign as chairman at the start of the week, added: "This week feels like a year. It's a great test as a young manager.

"I always respect people in this work and it's always sad when someone with the club close to their heart has to move on."

Rodgers was not helped by skipper Jay DeMerit needing stitches at half-time before he was forced off with a groin complaint.