Saving Mido for the future

Last updated : 09 February 2005 By Alistair Murray

The 21-year-old, who has picked up many different languages from short spells at a variety of European clubs, got off the mark with a brace for Tottenham in his first Premiership performance.

Paul Robinson was watching from a distance as Ahmed Hossam Mido turned around an early deficit to give Spurs the advantage inside an hour shortly before leaving the field with a groin injury.

"Mido was outstanding. I didn't know much about him before he came. But he did very well and got himself a couple of goals. He speaks very good English and has settled in as his performance showed," said Robinson.

Former Tottenham striker Martin Chivers spoke glowingly of Mido and the way he thrilled the home supporters on Saturday.

"We have had the Greaves, the Gascoignes, the Linekers, the Klinsmanns, and the Sheringhams, all great goalscorers and this is what the fans like to follow. In Mido I think they have got the new hero that they have craved for so long."

"He does over-elaborate at times and tries to be a bit too clever. But my goodness for a first game it was absolutely fantastic. That first goal was a dream chance for someone making their debut, they don't come better than that," said Chivers.

When asked to comment on his 18 month loan signing from AS Roma, the Tottenham coach Martin Jol said, "What more can you ask, 18 months for a player and you don’t have to pay a fee? Now we have the luxury of four men up front. We've taken Mido on loan because you never know with young kids, and I don't want to talk about the possibility of signing him. He is a sweet guy, a terrific lad, and a good character. He's like Robbie Keane in that so many coaches want him at their club."