Hughton: We missed JJ

Last updated : 30 January 2007 By SpursMAD

Assistant boss Chris Hughton said: "We were able to bring some players back into the fold on Saturday for their first full games after injury, which was a positive, while we were also able to introduce Ricardo Rocha for his debut.

"We've certainly made him aware of how tough the games will be week in, week out and the quality of the Premiership, but he did well taking his first steps in the cup and that will have set him up for the challenges ahead.

"He got a welcome to the English game - along with a few stitches - and had a good debut. Not taking anything away from Southend, but it was probably the best sort of game for him to start off in, a match that was reasonably comfortable for us.

"Paul Stalteri went for almost seven years without picking up a significant injury. He worked very hard in his rehab and it showed, he slotted in well and I actually felt he should have scored in the first half when he was put through, but just delayed a touch and tried to cut it back when he had a good opportunity to score.

"Jermaine Jenas came back and like with Paul, it was testament to JJ and how hard he'd worked in the period he's been out. The performance he put in on Saturday was JJ all over. His display showed how much he missed the game and how desperate he was to get back. We had missed him.

"Mido was another to play his first full game for a while and he marked it with a very good goal so I was pleased for him.

Source: TottenhamHotspur.com