Keane 'sick' of Jol rumours

Robbie Keane is hoping for an end to the uncertainty around Martin Jol’s future after coming off the bench to save the Tottenham boss from an embarrassing UEFA Cup defeat against Anorthosis Famagusta.

Losing the tie was never a prospect after Spurs travelled to Cyprus with a 6-1 lead from the first leg but they reached the group stages in unconvincing fashion in Larnaca.

After defeat to Arsenal last month it was suggested that Jol’s future at the club could be decided in the next international break.

Although the cracks in their defence have remained, Spurs and Jol have been unbeaten since their rivals beat them. The Dutchman’s position, though, has been concerning since club officials met Sevilla’s Juande Ramos at the start of the season.

“I’m sick of people even talking about it to be honest,” said Keane. “We are trying to do a job for the team and to get a result.”

Jol added: “I’m used to it, I have to cope with it.

“It’s been going on for the last six or seven weeks – but I feel in the last month we have done well.”

Only four players remained from the epic clash with Aston Villa on Monday and Jol admitted his side lacked rhythm.

Paul Robinson was given the opportunity to atone for his blunders against Villa and he had no chance with Fabinho’s strike in the 54th minute.

Nikolaos Frousos appeared to use his arm to control a hanging cross before he pulled the ball back for Fabinho to volley home.

“I still consider this game as a clean sheet, if you see the goal,” said Jol. “They had two keepers on the pitch.

“It would have been better if we could have kept a clean sheet because it was one of our targets – the only thing we could gain at 6-1 up.”

Spurs should have extended their lead before Famagusta struck, with Jermain Defoe hitting the post in the first half and also firing straight at the goalkeeper when found in the six-yard box.

The turning point for the visitors came when Jol brought on Keane in the 75th minute.

Within three minutes he had scored, getting on the end of Gareth Bale’s cross after Darren Bent had intelligently dummied.

“I have to think positively and for me it’s great that Tottenham are in Europe again,” Jol added. “We had a couple of thousand supporters here and it is always good to see them happy.

“Jermain Defoe had five or six chances on his own, Darren Bent had two big chances. If you don’t finish them off you have to settle for a draw.”

Jol has been criticised for his substitutions but bringing Bale and Keane on effectively spared his blushes.

“We had enough time and I knew Bale is good going forward and Keane is a good finisher,” Jol said. “We needed them both. I wanted to win, that is why I put Adel (Taarabt) on to change things. In the end, we’re going to the next round.”

Famagusta coach Temur Ketsbaia was pleased with the reaction of his players after they were trounced at White Hart Lane.

“I’m really proud of my players because they fought against a quality side,” said the former Newcastle striker. “Maybe they have problems but they have a good team and a good manager.

“I’m happy because we gave 100% and did everything we didn’t do in London. We will concentrate on the league now.

“It was not easy for them because they played on Monday and there was a change of climate.”