Jenas: players playing for their futures

JERMAINE JENAS admits Tottenham’s players are fighting for their futures at White Hart Lane – but he expects Juande Ramos’ ruthless streak to get the best out of the squad.

Ramos lost patience with goalkeeper Paul Robinson and dropped him for the Carling Cup clash at Arsenal this week, while striker Jermain Defoe has been told he can leave if he wants.

Pascal Chimbonda could also move to Aston Villa, despite being a regular at right-back, and players such as Wayne Routledgey are set to depart.

“Obviously the manager has not brought in any players which he wants right now, so that is a given he is going to bring in some players,” said Jenas.

“You could say players could be playing for their futures, but if it makes them play better then that is all good with me.”

Robinson cut a lonely figure on the bench after Radek Cerny was given the nod for Spurs’ biggest match of the season, and he was understood to be frustrated by his omission.

Although it shows Ramos’ current lack of faith in the England goalkeeper it should be remembered that the Spaniard dropped Younes Kaboul earlier in the season and the young centre-back eventually returned to the starting XI.

“It was just a decision, like any other player,” said assistant boss Gus Poyet when questioned aboutRobinson’s omission. “We don’t just analyse one individual – he is just one player in the squad. You have to play one or the other. It’s the same when Robbie Keane or Jermain Defoe is not playing. It’s decisions. It’s as simple as that.”

Jenas, who scored the opener in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal, has no doubts over wanting to commit himself to Spurs.

“I want to play for Tottenham and am enjoying my time here,” said the 24-year-old midfielder. I want to do things here, so I am more than happy.”

Cerny did not put a foot wrong in the semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium, and the Czech Republic stopper could do nothing about Theo Walcott’s freak equaliser.

Poyet felt the clash at the Emirates was a missed opportunity to beat Arsenal for the first time since 1999.

“We missed a great chance to beat Arsenal at the Emirates,” he said.

“The mentality going there and the attitude was excellent. It’s a derby and it’s still 50-50."