Keane to partner Defoe in Carling Cup tie

TOTTENHAM boss Martin Jol will pair strikers Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane together against Grimsby in tonight’s Carling Cup second-round tie.

Keane was Spurs' saviour on Saturday when he came on to score a dramatic equaliser to earn a share of the spoils against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

The Republic of Ireland marksman has played second fiddle to England striker Defoe all season and, despite the suspension of Egyptian striker Mido, Keane's return has been blocked by new signing Grzegorz Rasiak.

Keane's strike spared the blushes of Defoe who missed a first-half penalty but now the Irishman is set for a place alongside him as Rasiak is cup-tied for the clash against the League Two leaders.

Jol paid tribute to Keane who is beginning to earn something of an unwanted 'super-sub' reputation and insisted the Irishman still has a big future at the club despite interest from Everton, Newcastle, and Villa.

"We can play Defoe and Keane together and they do play marvellous football but, in English football, you do need someone who is good with his head too. Jermain is scoring some very good goals and Robbie is playing in a similar position so it's difficult," said Jol.

"I am always happy when Robbie comes on and he is such an important part of the squad."

Keane would not be drawn on his situation apart from admitting, like every other player, he prefers to play regular first-team football.

He preferred to focus on the team spirit that brought them back into the Villa game and will hopefully start them on a Carling Cup run against Grimsby.

"It was a difficult game and I thought Villa played ever so well. We showed a lot of character to come back and we could have nicked it in the end but overall, we were happy enough to come away with a point. It's a tough place to go and we've found that out over the last few seasons."

Spurs have been rocked by the news Anthony Gardner could be out for two months after the thigh injury he sustained against Villa.

"It is sad for Anthony because he has been doing very well but it looks a bad one. Fortunately, we have Goran Bunjevcevic as cover for Ledley King and Nourredine Naybet while Stephen Kelly and Tom Huddlestone can fill in if necessary," Jol said.

"I have told the players it won't be easy at Grimsby and we'll be travelling there with a great deal of respect. They are top of the league, a hard-working side with good players like Michael Reddy who is scoring goals."