Beleaguered Tottenham boss Martin Jol has hinted at recalling Jermain Defoe to
his squad for the Carling Cup clash against Middlesbrough.Defoe's place in the
pecking order has contributed to a season characterised by internal problems at
White Hart Lane, with serious concerns over Jol's long-term future after
appearing to be undermined by his board.The Dutchman insists he is not going to
quit - describing those suggestions as "a load of rubbish" - but his position
has looked in limbo as Spurs continue to be linked with other managers,
including Juande Ramos last month and Jose Mourinho last week.The Carling Cup
third round clash against Boro offers a chance to recall Defoe, who has not made
the matchday squad for the last two league games, as well as Gareth Bale."We've
got a few options when it comes to the starting line-up, Aaron Lennon is fine
and fit for selection, along with Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale," Jol said."We
will make some changes, but we will always field a strong team."With Spurs
chairman Daniel Levy determined to reach the Champions League, Jol's failure to
keep Defoe happy has been one of the criticisms he has faced.Jol argues that
Defoe started more league games than Robbie Keane last season but he clearly
favours Keane and Dimitar Berbatov for important games, and Darren Bent has
added to the competition.Spurs played 21 cup games last season and Jol was
looking at following the "big four" by making sweeping changes for Carling Cup
games to help league form this time around, yet any victory will be welcomed as
Spurs have only beaten Derby and Anorthosis Famagusta so far in the current
campaign and are in the bottom three of the Premier League."It was not the
easiest of draws for us, but we are at home and that is what you want," he said.
"For us it is important, we want to get into the next round with a win at the
Lane in front of our supporters."An injury to Mido means Jol is unlikely to be
reunited with the striker he persuaded to stay in January before allowing him to
go before the transfer window closed in August.Mido, whose parting shot at Spurs
was to claim it was a club rife with "politics", is joined on the Boro sidelines
by Julio Arca but Jol expects a stern test."Middlesbrough have got a good team
and have a tremendous track record in developing young players, but they also
have considerable experience in the side," he said."If you look at Stewart
Downing on the left, he will chip in with 10 or more assists, while Jonathan
Woodgate is a great leader at the back, with George Boateng providing the
experience in the middle."We have got home advantage, but that doesn't mean
anything if you don't play well and create chances. We have conceded seven or
eight easy goals this year and if we can cut that sort of thing out we will do
well."
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