Mido relishing Spurs striker battle

Tottenham striker Mido tonight vowed to fight for his place in Martin Jol’s starting line-up.

The 21-year-old signed for Spurs yesterday on an 18-month loan deal from Italian club Roma – but the Egypt international’s chances at White Hart Lane initially appear to be limited.

Spurs strikers Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Fredi Kanoute have all shown good form this season, while Mido has only made a handful of appearance for Luigi Del Neri’s side in Rome.

But Mido, who has played for six clubs in the past six seasons, is ready to challenge for a starting place and believes competition is good for the north London club.

Harry Redknapp was prepared to bring him to St Mary’s to bolster Southampton’s relegation battle, but the striker opted to join Spurs because of their “history” and management structure.

Mido said: “It is true there are very good strikers at Spurs, and I think it is always a healthier situation when there are more strikers.

“I spoke with the coach and I said I will work hard and do my best whether I am playing or not. I decided to come here and I’m very happy with my decision.”

Mido has been at the centre of controversy at his previous clubs. He is currently banished from the Egypt team after persistently failing to show up for training.

He fell out with Ajax coach Ronald Koeman after a period when he scored in every other game for the Amsterdam giants.

He was voted the Dutch league’s young player of the year for his efforts, but his stay at Ajax turned sour after he was substituted in a league match and said he was leaving the club during a post-match TV interview.

After spells at Celta Vigo, Marseille and Roma, Mido is determined to make the headlines at Spurs for the right reasons.

“I’m very happy to be here and I’m looking forward to the transfer because it is very important for my career,” he added on Sky Sports.

“Tottenham, for me, is one of the biggest clubs in England and the club has a lot of history, a serious management and a serious coach. I’ve seen the team many times and I think I can fit in it.

“I start working from tomorrow and I hope I will do well.”