Magpies soar as Keane on injured list

REPUBLIC of Ireland international Robbie Keane is to undergo a scan on a serious ankle injury sustained in last night's 1-0 loss to Newcastle.

The extent of that injury, which may effect the Dubliner's chances of appearing for the Republic against Scotland, will not be determined until this morning according to manager Glenn Hoddle.

"Robbie shall have a scan this morning and we won't know until then. We just hope it is not long-term.

"We have been looking for a striker and are still looking. We might get lucky but it is difficult because there is no movement in the market."

The injury capped a miserable night for the Londoners who were downed by a late effort from Jermaine Jenas which fired Newcastle into second place in the Premiership. Jenas produced a dramatic winner 25 seconds before the end of normal time.

Sir Bobby Robson was naturally in jubilant mood in the post match press conference.

"To win 1-0 at Tottenham and keep a clean sheet is a huge result for us," said Robson. "We are second to Arsenal and that is quite wonderful. We didn't need any more motivation than to know we would go above Manchester United and in behind Arsenal in that sandwich.

"I cannot see Arsenal being overtaken because they are in full stride, but Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea all still have to come to Newcastle, so it will be interesting."

After sustained Toon pressure, Keane, who has recently found his best form, was clattered from behind by Titus Bramble after only 11 minutes, and although he bravely carried on, he had to be replaced by Gary Doherty 10 minutes before the break.

Spurs parted company with both Les Ferdinand and Sergei Rebrov during the transfer window, while Steffen Iversen is injured, so Hoddle will either have to step up his bid to bring in a new striker before the weekend or hope Keane is fit to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

This fixture is traditionally a high scoring one and early signs suggested that might again be the case.

Spurs tried one of their familiar set-pieces after Olivier Bernard was pressured into conceding a corner in the third minute.

Darren Anderton's ball from the right found Teddy Sheringham as he pulled away, and he helped the ball on towards the far post. Anthony Gardne met it on the edge of the six-yard box but sent his header over the crossbar.

There was more excitement for the home fans after seven minutes when Simon Davies raced down the right flank.

The Welshman beat Laurent Robert and picked out Gus Poyet and the Uruguayan ooked destined to score his 50th goal in English league football before the ball was deflected behind by Nikos Dabizas.

The first real sign of Newcastle danger came after 25 minutes when Bellamy slipped past Gardner and raced towards the penalty area. He was stopped by a Dean Richards tackle.

Ten minutes later Bernard saw his shot from 20 yards turned away well by Keller, and shortly afterwards Keane departed for Spurs.

The game was played at a fast pace and there was a worrying moment for the visitors after 47 minutes as Shay Given made a mess of a clearance but redeemed himself with a fine save.

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper hit his clearance against Andy O'Brien and was left stranded as the ball fell to Poyet. The Spurs midfielder sent in a good shot from 20 yards, but Given scrambled back and tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Poyet was celebrating five minutes later when he pounced inside the box and swept the ball past Given. But the linesman's flag signalled offside a decision which looked harsh.

After a slight lull in proceedings the game livened up in the final 10 minutes as Newcastle enjoyed their best chance of the night after winning the ball in midfield and racing forward.

Alan Shearer's drive was well blocked by Keller and when the rebound fell for Jenas he shot past the far post. But the youngster made amends with his third goal of the season to enable Newcastle to complete the double over Spurs for the first time in seven years.

TOTTENHAM: Keller, Richards, Gardner, King, Carr, Davies, Poyet, Anderton, Bunjevcevic, Sheringham, Keane (Doherty 36).

NEWCASTLE: Given, Bramble, O'Brien, Dabizas, Bernard, Kerr (Solano 61), Dyer, Jenas, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy.