Davies returns to action

Last updated : 20 January 2005 By Alistair Murray

"I'm really excited. I'm buzzing to be honest. It was a good test and I enjoyed it," he told the official website.

Davies, a possible transfer target for Everton, played on the right wing before Owen Price came on for the Welshman at the interval. David Limbersky, playing on the left, won Tottenham a second half penalty, after receiving a pass from Emil Halfreddson, who had a good game in the centre of the park. Mark Hudson clattered into the young Czech, before striker Lee Barnard stroked the spot kick beyond Julian Speroni.

Tottenham director of sport Frank Arnesen stayed after the game to discuss the possible signing of Crystal Palace’s want-away winger Wayne Routledge. The 20-year-old rejected a new contract with the south London club last week.

"There have been some preliminary discussions, Spurs have declared an interest in the player," confirmed Palace boss Iain Dowie.

Dowie also mentioned there were other clubs beside Tottenham showing an interest in Routledge who could make a switch away from Selhurst Park in the next fortnight for around £2m.

"We're trying to stay in the Premiership and we know what Wayne can bring us. Nothing has yet been set in stone, so until we see figures on paper, you can't really comment.

"I hope he's still here in February, but it's very much on a knife edge. If the offer is right then that's a situation that we will have to look at.

"The longer it doesn't happen, the better it is for us because I still think this is the best place for his future, but he disagrees," Dowie added.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Rafael Van der Vaart has become the latest attacking midfielder rumoured to be mulling over a switch to Tottenham.

Van der Vaart plays behind the centre forward at Ajax, has 18 months of his contract with the Amsterdam club still remaining and is a star of the Dutch league that Martin Jol and Frank Arnesen have been keeping a watchful eye on.

Andy Reid, a long term target for Spurs, could be involved in a relegation scrap at the foot of the Championship league with Nottingham Forest if a transfer isn't agreed this month.

"We would like to hang on to Andy but I believe he has made his feelings known that he would like to leave," said new City Ground chief Gary Megson.

One other linked in the past month, Steed Malbranque was injured in Fulham's 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.