English core to the fore

Last updated : 02 November 2006 By SpursMAd

Tom Huddlestone is expected to feature in UEFA Cup action for the third time this season.

Although Didier Zokora has returned to training, tonight's Group B clash against Club Brugges at White Hart Lane may prove to soon for the Ivory Coast midfielder.

Huddlestone has been an able replacement in the team for the past fortnight.

He said: "Every time I have stepped on the pitch I have had a point to prove, either to try and stay in the team or at least try and claim a place for the next game."

"We did a great job out there in Istanbul, we got the second goal and that helped."

Meanwhile, Zokora is recovering from a malaria scare and Steed Malbranque is also close to contending for a chance to make his Spurs debut.

Martin Jol said: "I thought it could take a couple of weeks but Didier was training again in eight days, trained Friday, Saturday and was looking good."

"We had a very good session (on Monday) where the intensity was high and Steed trained with me for the first time."

"He did a lot of stamina sessions with the fitness coach before, but it was the first time he worked with the group and he did well. We trained for two hours and he had no problems."

Still sidelined are Paul Stalteri (knee), Young-Pyo Lee (ankle), Calum Davenport (groin) and Teemu Tainio (foot).

Assistant coach Chris Hughton has revealed any dangers the Belgians might pose as Spurs hope to continue their good run of results in the competition so far. He said: "They drew against Bayer Leverkusen in their first game and that was a result that could have gone either way, a free, fast-flowing game."

"They've played most games in some guise of a 4-4-2 formation. Clement at the back has been around for a little while."

"Front two Ishiaku and Balaban, in the games I've watched have worked very hard off each other, linked well with one-twos, and chased."

Source: TottenhamHotspur.com