Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes has more reasons than most to put in a good performance against Fulham after looking like a turkey at Craven Cottage last month.

The Spurs stopper gave his opponents the perfect present when the sides last met, dropping the ball into his own net to give Roy Hodgson’s side the vital first goal.

The Brazilian international admits he was hurt by the criticism that followed, but is assuring the fans that they are now beginning to see his true quality.

I think the error against Fulham was the worst moment,” he said. “It was not an easy ball, [Jonathan] Woodgate flicked the ball and I moved to the left side and the ball moved to the right side. It was a difficult moment for me.

I came back in the second half and I made a very good save. My mentality is so strong, and this is very important for a goalkeeper.

“In my head I still think big and I’ll play for Tottenham for a long time. What people have been saying is very difficult for me because everyone was saying ‘Gomes is a bad goalkeeper and not a goalkeeper for Tottenham’, and I still think about this. I come back step by step.

“I am very happy, and I think my bad moment is in the past. I know I am a very very good goalkeeper, and I know that when I am at my top level, it is difficult for the opposition to score the goal.”

Gomes has played with an injury ever since the defeat against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, but he is refusing to let the pain affect his performances.

“I think my big problem was I continued to play with an injury,” he said, “but I have got better step by step, and now I feel better.

“I am not 100 per cent fit but I think in the next game I will be better. My problem is my ribs, and down my right side. I don’t think of my injury, I think only of the game, but when I make a save I am still in a little bit of pain.