Ramos readies Spurs for PSV test

JUANDE RAMOS believes Tottenham’s clash against PSV Eindhoven tonight will provide the gauge of his UEFA Cup hat-trick chances – and an assessment of which players he wants to keep for next season.

Ramos has brought silverware to White Hart Lane within four months but was fuming the weekend after lifting the Carling Cup, refusing to address his players following the heavy defeat at Birmingham.

The Spaniard explained that he did not want to say something he regretted; the players were given Sunday off as usual and then preparations started for the last-16 clash against Dutch champions PSV.

“They have three months to show their strengths,” said Ramos. “There are many minutes on the pitch and if they show they are capable of playing for this club in that time then they will stay.”

Ramos has won the UEFA Cup with Sevilla in the last two seasons but remains cautious about his chances this season, given Spurs’ inconsistency.

“It’s an important test, PSV are at a high level and this is a barometer of where we can go and if we can compete at that level,” said Ramos. “Then I will know if my players have the ability for this stage.”

Ramos is boosted by having defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King back in the squad for the tonight’s encounter.

Woodgate has been out with a sprained ankle, while King is being brought back gradually from his knee surgery last summer.

King’s injury is still being continually assessed to determine which games he will be able to play in.

“At the moment it is how his knee comes on and how it gets better,” Ramos said. “From then on we can decide if it’s going to be more stable and he can then play more games. It’s not something we can decide at the moment.”