Bent, an unused substitute when Spurs beat Chelsea to lift the trophy at Wembley in February, sees no point in wanting to avoid Manchester United in the last four this time around.

Burnley or Derby represent easier passages to the final, but Bent does not mind who Spurs get when the draw is made this weekend.

The 24-year-old said: "We beat Chelsea in the final last year, so there is no reason we can't beat United if we get them.

"We're not looking to avoid anyone. We might as well face them head on, because if we didn't get them in the next round, we would probably get them in the final if we reached it.

"Manchester United are a fantastic side, but if we have to face them in the semis, we know what we need to do and we need to perform."

Bent was dropped from the starting XI for the quarter-final at Watford this week after boss Harry Redknapp saw a dip in work-rate from the striker, who struggled to build on a glut of seven goals in five games.

Redknapp brought the former Charlton striker off the bench at Vicarage Road and the striker scored the winner in the 2-1 win, his 12th goal of the season.

Bent arguably performs better as a lone striker with Luka Modric supporting in a free role - but the Croatia midfielder has been out for two weeks with a groin problem.

Modric is set to rejoin full training and Redknapp will make an assessment of his fitness over the weekend, with the Spurs boss keen for the 23-year-old to feature against West Ham on Monday at Upton Park.

"I'd like to get him fit because he gives us a different option," Redknapp said. "He plays in that hole and is clever. He can knit the game together for you. I hope he's okay."

Skipper Ledley King could also return after resting his knee for the win over Watford.

Meanwhile, United States teenager Freddy Adu, who is on loan at Monaco from Benfica, has revealed his admiration for Spurs.

The 19-year-old midfielder has previously been linked with a move to White Hart Lane.

He told ESPN: "My dream is to play for one of the top European clubs, the top five. Tottenham are also one of my dreams, since I supported them as a boy.

"My objective is the Premier League, which is for me the best league in the world."