Defoe and Keane not ideal partnership, says Jol

TOTTENHAM boss Martin Jol admits Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane are not his preferred strike partnership - but insists they remain quality finishers.

With Frederic Kanoute in the treatment room after sustaining a neck problem against Liverpool and Mido only available for bench duty due to a stomach injury, Jol found himself short of options against West Brom on Wednesday night.

He was forced to pair Defoe and Keane in attack and the partnership made a negligible impact as Spurs found themselves outclassed and a goal behind in a one-sided first half.

But the introduction if Mido at the interval breathed new life into Spurs’ attacking machine and it was the Egyptian striker’s physical presence which laid on the equaliser for Keane.

Their performances in the first half was further evidence that marksman Defoe and the unsettled Keane are not at their best when deployed together and Jol admitted he would rather not use them in tandem.

“We played Robbie and Jermain against Crystal Palace away in January and lost 3-0. But sometimes there is no other solution,” said Jol.

“Kanoute needed treatment and Mido is on a special programme because he was injured. I had a chat with him on Tuesday and asked if he could play 15 or 20 minutes if necessary, as he was not 100%.

“I like to play with Kanoute and Defoe or Keane, but Defoe scored last week and Keane scored against Liverpool, so they are still two very good players,” he said.

Midfielder Andy Reid insists Wednesday night’s partnership can work provided the team play a style of football to suit Defoe and Keane, but hailed Mido’s contribution upon his second half arrival

“They are two quality players and as long as we keep the ball on the ground and play football, then I don’t think it’s too much of a problem,” he said.

“We were disappointed to lose points to West Brom. It’s a home game and we feel we can beat anybody at White Hart Lane.

“In the second half we played some good football. Mido made a difference, they had some powerful lads at the back and he came on and matched them, which helped us.”