Arsene Wenger has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur head coach Tim Sherwood deserves more time to prove himself at White Hart Lane.

Sherwood is believed to be under pressure as reports continue to suggest that he could be replaced in the summer, but Wenger insists that the 45-year-old should be given longer in the job ahead of Sunday's North London derby.

"I am always pleading for stability," the Arsenal manager told reporters. "Maybe you could say I'm pleading for myself. I always think technical stability is important.

"I don't know Sherwood as a coach. I knew him as a player because I am a long time in this job. I like the fact that he has learned his job and gets his chance.

"In England you rightly complain that young managers don't get a chance. When you get one you have to support him."

Sherwood replaced Andre Villas-Boas as Spurs manager in December.