Lennon's fast impact down to surroundings

Last updated : 15 April 2006 By Editor

But Spurs boss Martin Jol, obviously fearful that expectation levels could suddenly land on the youngster's shoulders pointed to the contributions of other Tottenham players who have settled in the team quicker than expected.

Jol said: "We have been adventurous. We took the same big gamble with Aaron Lennon as we did with Jermaine Jenas and Michael Dawson."

Lennon was signed from Leeds United last summer and was expected to be understudy to Wayne Routledge this season. Instead, he found himself thrown in at the deep end far sooner than he would have anticipated.

"He would not have played as many games for Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester United," added Jol.

Meanwhile, Routledge, on loan at Portsmouth until the end of the season, has been made to wait before he can restake his claim for a place in the side. His injury on the opening day of the season, combined with indifferent form shown by Andy Reid this season, gave Lennon his early opportunity to impress.

Source: The Independent