Jol feels no remorse for Kanoute

Last updated : 06 January 2005 By Alistair Murray

"He is doing terrific, whether he's playing with Jermain Defoe or Robbie Keane or playing up front by himself. Every team in the Premiership has terrific strikers and I'm happy with our three," said Tottenham coach Martin Jol.

Jol also referred to the falling out the pair were supposed to have had following the player’s handball that gave Liverpool a late penalty in November’s Carling Cup clash as a story fabricated in the media.

"Fredi is a professional who made a mistake. His response since the Liverpool game has been excellent. It is rubbish to say he has not got a long-term future here. He is the complete player and we miss him when he is not playing," he added.

Kanoute himself claimed it had been difficult to recover from the disappointment of being singled out for criticism after his costly error prevented Tottenham reaching the last four in a competition that provides entry to European competition next season to its eventual winner.

"Inside my head I had to keep fighting thoughts that I had let the team down. I had to be strong or I wouldn't have been able to continue," said Kanoute.

"There has been speculation my relationship with Mr Jol is now very bad and Spurs will get rid of me, but we have not fallen out over what happened and I get on well with the manager. Only the future will tell us whether the club want me to leave, but I'll be surprised if they do," he added.