Rubin Kazan 1 Tottenham 0 (Europa League)

Tottenham's young team lost to a single goal from a free-kick early in the second half.  Spurs lost their unbeaten record to a strong Russian team who are now level on points with them.  The young players, again, looked comfortable on the ball and especially in the first half worked very hard to deny and frustrate the home side.  In attack, even with Defoe and Pavlyuchenko, Spurs failed to test the goalkeeper or create any real goal scoring opportunities.

Rubin Kazan 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Scorer: Natcho

Team: Cudicini; Fredericks, Gallas (Parrett), Bassong, Townsend; Falque, Livermore, Carroll, Pienaar; Defoe, Pavlyuchenko (Kane)  Sibs: (Unused) Gomes, Stewart, Nicholson, Pritchard, Lancaster 

Tottenham sent out a team with none of the players whop beat QPR at the weekend.  William Gallas returned from injury to captain the side and Steven also had his first game of the season after an operation.  Gallas and Bassong were the experience in central defence with Ryan Fredericks and Andros Townsend as fullbacks.  In midfield Jake Livermore and Tom Carroll were in the centre with Falque and Pienaar on the wings,  Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko had the experience up front.

As in previous Europa League matches Spurs started in a composed and controlled manner, keeping the ball and using it to good effect in defence and midfield.  They, again, found it difficult to be creative in the last third of the pitch, the final ball either going astray or being cut out.  They managed to keep Rubin Kazan at bay although the two young full backs who were being asked to get forward regularly as well as defend were finding it difficult against two good wingers with defenders also willing to attack.  Carlo Cudicini made a number of good saves and interceptions to keep the home side out.  

In the second half the Russians started much more positively and pushed Spurs back who were now finding it much more difficult to keep the ball in a controlled fashion.  Often Tottenham clearances were being picked up by Rubin and putting Spurs back under pressure.  Cudicini continued to put in a calming and commanding performance with more important saves.

In the 55th minute the hiome side were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Spurs area.  Unfortunately, it was a needless free-kick to concede - Gallas had cleverly cleared from a dangerous cross and the ball fell nicely to Bassong in the centre of the penalty area to clear.  His first touch was too heavy and as he lunged to try to clear he brought down the home player.  Rubin Kazan's top scorer, Natcho scored giving Cudicini no chance.  It was a careless goal to give away and from that time the home side put Spurs under increasing pressure which they were struggling to deal with.

After 70 minutes, Gallas had to go off injured, Livermore dropped into defence and Dean Parrett joined Carroll in central midfield.  The two young players found it difficult to deal with the home side pressure as they found more time and space.  A few minutes later, Harry Kane replaced Pavlyuchenko who had contributed little and had been flagged offside too often.  Kane brought more to the game but it was Cudicini who continued to keep the Russians out.  Twice from free-kicks near the Russias' box, Spurs were defending desperately as the home side broke quickly after Spurs had given the ball away.

In the final minutes as the home side were looking to hold on to their win, Spurs tried to build some pressure but again the final ball was lacking.  

The young players acquitted themselves well and it was unfortunate that the goal came from a defensive mistake by an experienced player.  Cudiicini was man of the match for his string of saves and his commanding performance.  Tottenham will now look to beat PAOK in the next game and then win in Dublin to secure qualification to the knock-out stages.  Some of the first team regulars may have to add some more experience and guile to a team that has failed to score a goal in three of the five games they have played.

Cudicini was outstanding, keeping Spurs in the game and avoiding a much heavier defeat.

Fredericks and Townsend both had a difficult night defensively and were asked to do a lot of work by having to attack down the wings.

Gallas used all his experience well and had a good game.  It was unfortunate that he has suffered another injury.  Bassong had a better night overall but his loss of concentration and poor touch gave away the free-kick from which the goal was scored.  he almost made a similar mistake a little later when he gave a poor pas to Parrett in central midfield.

Falque, Pienaar and Carroll worked hard in midfield and had good control in the first half but after the interval struggled to keep a grip on the home side as they increased the pressure.  Falque tried to be creative and in the second half, Defoe had the ball in the net from his cross but the referee had blown because, as everyone knew, the winger had taken the ball out before he got his cross in.  Carroll played well in the first half but found it much more difficult to be an influence after that.  Pienaar did well to last the full game having been out with an injury but he contributed little to the game.  Livermore played well both in midfield and defence although on occasions he gives the Ball away to easily.  Parrett found it difficult to get to the pace of the game especially as the Russians were playing with a greater confidence having taken the lead.  He and Carroll were being asked to do a very difficult job against a very good Russian team.

Defoe and Pavlyuchenko offered little threat and were disappointing.  They, and particularly Pavlyuchenko, were both offside too often which stopped Spurs when they were trying to get forward.  Harry Kane who came on for the final fifteen was more prepared to run and take on defenders than either of his two more experienced colleagues.

Tottenham have taken a gamble by playing a weakened side throughout the Europa League campaign.  Up to this point they have got away with it but they knew they were facing a very strong Russian side and will be satisfied to take only a one goal defeat when it could have been a lot worse had Cudicini not performed so well.  

As PAOK beat Shamrock Rovers to head Group A, Spurs who are in third place on goal difference behind the Rubin Kazan, they now know what they have to do in the final two games to secure qualification and preferably as Group winners.

Rubin Kazan v Tottenham Hotspur (Europa League)

The fourth match in Group A of the Europa League tales Tottenham to Russia for the return game with Rubin Kazan.  Tottenham head the group with seven points while Rubin Kazan have four points, one behind PAOK Salonika in second place.  Tottenham who have used squad members and young players for the Europa League campaign will be looking to get something from this match while the rest of the squad remain in London to prepare for Sunday's London derby against Fulham.

Tottenham's Russian striker, Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the all important goal against his compatriots at White Hart Lane to earn the three points for Spurs.  It was a hard earned success with the visitors unfortunate to leave without any reward so Spurs are well aware that they face a very difficult game on Thursday evening.  Qualification for the knock-out stages is very much on both teams' mind as they know that PAOK are waiting to take over top spot if they win in Dublin and Spurs lose in Russia.  In a very close group all three teams will be hoping to take one of those qualification places and preferably first place which improves the prospects for the draw by avoiding teams who have dropped out of the Champions League.

Not Travelling to Russia
Tottenham have announced that Harry Redknapp will not be going with the team as he has to undergo a minor op.  Kevin Bond and Joe Jordan will take charge of the team for the Europa League game.

Brad Friedel and Rafael Van der Vaart have not been registered for the Europa League competition so can't play unless they are included in the revised list after January.  Few, if any, of the first team regulars will be making the long journey - Ledley King needs his week to recover while the rest will be focused on preparing for the game against Fulham.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto, according to Twitter, isn't making the trip - 'spending the week training at Chigwell'.

Sandro has not travelled, neither has Assou-Ekotto, Walker, Bale or Modric. (plus other first team players).  Giovani is also out, having picked up an injury.



It was a very young Spurs XI side which lost 1 - 2 to Crystal Palace at Spurs Lodge so presumable some of the players who normally turn out for that team will be on the flight to Russia.  may not play but could be on the bench or just travelling for the experience.

Travelling in the Tottenham party
Jake Nicholson has announced on Twitter that he is included in the party to travel to Russia as has Dean Parrett.  

Defoe, Pavlyuchenko and Bassong have also been included in the party.

Latest Squad News:

 Gomes, Cudicini, Gallas, Bassong, Waller-Lassen, Stewart, Barthram, Livermore, Townsend, Pienaar, Fredericks, Carroll, Nicholson, Parrett, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe, Falque, Kane, Lancaster, Pritchard. 

None of Saturday's team have travelled to Russia.

A young team with experience coming from squad players who haven't played many matches or are returning from injury can be expected to make the long journey to Kazan.  Heurelho Gomes who starred in the game at White Hart Lane or Carlo Cudicini who put in an excellent performance in the draw in Greece with crucial saves in the final moments of the game will take up position in goal.  It is worth noting that in the three matches Gomes has played this season, at Hearts, against the Russians and at Stoke in the Carling Cup, he has not conceded a goal in normal play.  The defeat on penalties has been their only loss since the disastrous start to the Premier League season.  With the rotation of the goalkeepers it would be Cudicini's 'turn' but I feel he could possibly get selected for the calm he brings to the defence over the spectacular of Gomes, especially in a potentially hostile environment.

Injury has caused problems in defence with first team players having to make up the numbers.  Ledley King having returned on Sunday will again rest. The return of William Gallas is a possibility although they may not want him to travel so far after being out with a long term injury.  However, it is expected that he will make the trip and will start beside Bassong.   With Vedran Corluka injured.  Danny Rose who played well in the first game is apparently out, Andros Townsend will presumably be his replacement at left back while a younger player could make his debut at right back.  Ryan Fredericks who played against Hears or Kevin Stewart is a possibility as is Jack Barthram who has played in that position for the Spurs XI team and in the NextGen series competition.  Whoever is called upon, it will be a real test of their character and footballing ability.

As Sandro is not included in the party, Jake Livermore could be in central midfield with Tom Carroll deservedly getting another game.  He has been the outstanding player from among the inexperienced players who have come into the team for the Europa League campaign and has gained recognition for these pwerformances by being called up for the England Under-21 side.  Steven Pienaar has also recovered from injury and is expected to make his first appearance of the season and will bring much needed experience to the starting line-up.  Either Yago Falque or Harry Kane could play on the left of midfield in th eabsence of a more experienced alternative.  Falque would bring pace and skill whilwe Kane would work hard for the team in what will be a testing game.  Jermain Defoe and Pavlyuchenko who can not get into the first team because of the play and goal scoring form of Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael Van der Vaart in recent weeks, will start and again try to impress on the manager that they should start every game. 

This will be a very difficult game as Spurs found out in the home match.  Then Harry Redknapp had to bolster up the team with the introduction of Kaboul, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Luka Modric to ensure they held out to take the three points.  It is unlikely that such experienced back-up will be available on Thursday.   The bench will consist of  a number of young players like Dean Parrett and Jake Nicholson but if they perform as others have done before them, they will display great composure, endeavour and application in the Europa League with no shortage of skill.  The one area where their game has been lacking has been in scoring goals so if that continues to be the case in Russia it could be a very long and difficult night for the inexperienced team, especially if Rubin are more clinical in front of goal than they were in London.

Tottenham V Shamrock Rovers Team News

Tottenham are expected to field a more experienced team for their first home match in the Europa League Group Stages.  To date, Harry Redknapp has used a combination of squad players and young players who have come through the youth system at Spurs.

Harry Redknapp has some senior players on their way back from injury and they may be used for the game against Shamrock Rovers.  Tottenham are looking to secure three points against the Dublin side to put pressure on Rubin Kazan who are the next visitors to White Hart Lane.

Aaron Lennon is now available after recovering from the injury sustained against Manchester City at the end of August.  He will some pace to the midfield and is always a handful for defenders.  The return of Danny Rose will also provide some options at left back while Steven Pieneer is also on his way back to fitness and may play some part in the game.

William Gallas has had a set-back and Tom Huddlestone requires an ankle operation.

Harry Redknapp who has used his younger players in the last two ties of the Europa League, to good effect, says that he will be fielding a stronger team tomorrow.  He will be wanting to avoid any slip-ups and ensure there's no 'giant-killing' act from Rovers.

Possible Team:                                                  Cudicini or Gomes
                                                               Corluka, Kaboul, Bassong, Rose
                                                           Lennon,        Carroll,     Livermore,   Townsend
                                                                       Pavlyuchenko     Kane
                  Subs:  Falque, Parrett, Fredericks, Pieneer, Giovani, 

I hope that Harry Kane gets an opportunity to start the game although Giovani dos Santos may start ahead of him.  If Roman Pavlychenko hasn't recovered from the injury which stopped him travelling to Wigan last weekend, I like to see Jermain Defoe play for an hour to support Kane.

Stoke 0 Tottenham 0 (aet) (Spurs Lost 6-7 on pens)

Carling Cup Exit on Penalties for Spurs

Stoke and Tottenham made numerous changes for this game but neither side could find a goal so at the end of 120 minutes it went to penalties.  Both sides missed early on but then it progressed to 6-6 until Tottenham debutant had his shot saved and Tottenham were out.  The harsh reality of Cup football for a young player.

Team: Gomes; Corluka, Kaboul, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Carroll, Sandro (Luongo), Livermore, Giovani (Townsend); Van der Vaart (Defoe), Pavlyuchenko. Subs: Cudicini, Kane, Cabalios, Falque

Gomes returned for Carling Cup

The Tottenham team contained only two of Sunday's starting line-up - Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, while Heurelho Gomes returned for his first game since playing at Hearts in the Europa League.  Sandro made his first appearance following his return from injury and Tom Carroll had the opportunity of further experience with another full game.  Stoke had former players, Wilson Palacios and Matthew Etherington in their starting line-up, while Peter Crouch was among the substitutes.

This match between two sides who have had a busy opening schedule this season, never reached any great heights but was an opportunity for some of the squad players to get match practice.  Stoke started the better and Crouch made an early appearance following an injury to Jones.  Tottenham withstood Stoke's high approach and came more into the game before and after half-time.  However, neither side created many goal scoring opportunities.

Gomes had a few difficult moments but the game went into extra time and then penalties.  Tottenham have a poor record in this and so it proved again as they exited the competition at the 3rd Round stage for the second consecutive season.

Penalty Shoot-Out
Stoke 1 - 0
1 - 1 Defoe

Stoke miss - hit bar

Tottenham miss - Pavlyuchenko (missed target)

Stoke 2 - 1

2 - 2 Townsend

Stoke 3 - 1

3 - 3 Corluka
Stoke 4 - 3 (Crouch)
4 - 4 Kaboul

Stoke 5 - 4 (Etherington)

5 - 5 Livermore

Stoke 6 - 5

6 - 6 Carroll

Stoke 7 - 6

Tottenham miss - Luongo (saved)

The penalty kick shoot out was the usual lottery and no blame can be laid at the young player who missed the final penalty.  Massimo Luongo making his first appearance replaced Sandro after seventy minutes.  With the penalty shoot-out progressing so far, neither goalkeeper getting a chance to pull off a save, it was a high pressured situation for such a young player who saw Stoke keeper, Sorensen save his shot.  He is th esecond young player to discover the harsh realities of senior football with a penalty kick saved - Harry Kane suffering the same fate in his debut against Hearts at White Hart Lane.  The other penalty miss was by Roman Pavlyuchenko who shot high and wide - described by the Talksport radio commentator as, 'The worst penalty kick he had seen.'

Massimo Luongo is an eighteen year old who has been playing for the Academy team.  He was signed last January and is half-Australian/half-Indonesian and has been very impressive for the U-18s and especially in the Next-Gen series match against Inter Milan which Spurs won 7 - 1.

Tottenham's record in the penalty shoot-out is poor.  They have only won by this method on two occasions - 1984 UEFA Cup Final and an FA Cup 3rd Round replay against Peterborough in 1994. .  Since then it has been disappointment every time including the 2009 Carling Cup Final at Wembley against Manchester United.

An early exit from the Carling Cup will give the Spurs squad a break in their hectic pre-Christmas fixture list to allow for recovery from injuries and knocks which occur during games.  At least this defeat wasn't as humiliating as the exit from last season's two Cup competitions.  However, the Carling Cup always represents a competition that a team like Tottenham might just be able to win.

Tottenham's Young Players Earn Their Spurs

Young Players Do Themselves Proud in Europa League

Tottenham's first Europa League game was only three days before a crucial Premier League game against Liverpool at White Hart Lane on Sunday.  With injury worries, Harry Redknapp was determined to keep his senior players focused on that match without the distraction of travelling to Greece to play PAOK Salonika.  He sent out a squad with a number of young players who did themselves and the club proud in a hard earned scoreless draw.

18-man Match Day Squad
The eighteen players in the match day squad for the Europa League game consisted of  four players with international experience - Vedran Corluka (Croatia), Sebastien Bassong (Cameroon), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia) and Giovani Dos Santos (Mexico), and Premier League experience from Carlo Cudicini, Kyle Walker and Jake Livermore, although the latter two have limited appearances in League football for Spurs.  The other players were young players who were looking to gain from the experience of playing for the first team in an important, competitive European match.

Young Players

Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker (21) has only returned to Spurs having spent last season on loan with QPR and Aston Villa where he impressed with his attacking play from full back.  He has been called into the full England squad but has yet to make an appearance.  He is vying with experienced Vedran Corluka for the right back spot but has made a positive start in the games he has played this season.  Very quick when attacking on the right, he scored two goals for Villa last season, but needs to learn how to play with Aaron Lennon to get the best from him and also to improve defensively, especially that he isn't too cavalier in his attacking play, forgetting about his defensive duties.

Jake Livermore (21) made his League debut for Spurs in the game at Old Trafford.  It was a testing game for him in central midfield but he acquitted himself well and plays with confidence and has progressed well in the past year.  The arrival of Scott Parker meant he was a substitute against Wolves but he has become a part of the Tottenham squad and the European and Cup matches will provide him with excellent experience and opportunities to show his ability.

Andros Townsend (20) has played at full back in the last two European matches.  It is not his natural position, being an attacking winger, but he brings those qualities to the team and is constantly looking to take on his man and create attacking chances for the team.  He worked hard, covering a lot of ground during a game and wasn't found wanting in the defensive role.  When attacking he can run into dead-ends so needs to learn to release the ball earlier when his way is blocked.

Tom Carroll (19) went on loan to Leyton Orient last season.  He impressed in their League One team and made his debut in the home game against Hearts.  he is a busy player who looks for the ball and is constantly available to take a pass from a colleague.  His passing is good and for a lightly made up player he can cope with all the activity of midfield.  He tired towards the end of last night's game but that was only to be expected in such a competitive match.

Yago Falque (21) made his Tottenham debut in Greece and showed cleaver touches on the ball.  He had a good shot cleared off the line early on and a curling shot in the second half went just wide.  He is at the club on loan from Juventus for the coming season and looks a very promising player who will benefit from this experience.

Harry Kane (18) made his debut against Hearts and is the young player most tottenham supporters know about because of his goal scoring in the Academy teams and with Leyton Orient last season.  He is a strong lad and very competitive, he works hard and can play as a striker or drop back into midfield.  In the first half he played alongside Roman Pavlyuchenko where he had a header saved by the PAOK keeper and was unfortunate to be booked for diving when he should have had a penalty. After half-time he played wide on the left where he didn't contribute as much but he worked hard and covered back in defence as required.  Late on he had the confidence to take a free-kick which he hit with power but went just over the bar.  He, again, didn't receive much support from his striking partner so he would benefit from time in the team with a player who is more inclined to link up and play wit him as a striking partnership.

Substitutes:
Ryan Fredericks (18) who made  his debut in the previous Europa league match replaced Falque on the right.  A very pacy winger, he needs to improve his decision making for the final ball.

Dean Parrett (19) made a return to first team football for the last few seconds of the game when replacing Giovani.  He had appeared in the previous Europa League campaign in 2008 - 09 but has been out on loan since then.  Just returning from injury, he played for the England U-20s team in the World Cup in Columbia during the summer.  A midfield player of whom much is expected he works hard and is skilful on the ball.  Needs match practice in the coming months to show his value to the club.

Jack Barthram (17) The youngest player in the squad, he is an attacking full-back and was a member of the Academy NextGen Series team which defeated Inter Milan 7 - 1 at Leyton Orient last month.

Kevin Stewart (17) A defender who can play at full back or in central defence, he captained the Academy team which won the Eurofoot tournament in Belgium during the summer.

Jake Nicholson (19) He made his debut as a substitute against Hearts and was very composed in midfield.

Alex Pritchard (18) An attacking midfield player,  he scored twice in the win over Inter Milan, including a great free-kick in the second half.

The team had an average age of 23 years and that included 38 year old goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.  Leave out 38 year old Cuducini from the calculations and it is reduced to 21 years 6 months.  These games are an excellent experience for the young players and some will be hoping for another game on Tuesday at Stoke City in the Carling Cup and against Shamrock Rovers in the next Europa league game.  The manager sent out a balanced team with the experience in defence to support the younger players.  With a more experienced midfield player or a striker more inclined to work with his team mates, they might even have managed a win to reward their hard work and enthusiasm.  A good night for the young players who brought credit to the club for their disciplined performance against a difficult team with considerable experience in European competition.

Europa League PAOK Salonika 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Tottenham's  Young Team Earn a Point

Spurs managed to gain a point in their first Europa League Group game against PAOK Salonika in Greece.  Numerous injuries and an important Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday meant Harry Redknapp used a number of young players for this game.

Team: Cudicini; Walker, Corluka, Bassong, Townsend; Falque (Fredericks), Livermore, Carroll, Giovani (Parrett), Kane; Pavlycchenko.  Subs: Gomes, Nicholson, Stewart, Barthram, Prichard

Tottenham's young players aided by a number of senior players acquitted themselves very well in the intimidating atmosphere in Greece.  They played with confidence and effort against a team with considerable European experience and thoroughly deserved their point.  It was only in the last ten minutes that they started to come under pressure from the home side and Carlo Cudicini came to their rescue with three magnificent saves.

Only Kyle Walker played from the team which won at Wolves on Saturday while Tottenham had international experience from Vedran Corluka, Sebastien Bassong, Giovani Dos Santos and Roman Pavlyuchenko to support the young players.  Yago Falque, on loan from Juventus, made his debut for Spurs while the other young players had experienced European football against Hearts in the Qualifying Round.

Tottenham started well and passed the ball about with some style and composure.  The home team gave then room to play and Spurs made the most of it.  Their best moment came when Dos Santos had a shot cleared off the line but shortly after this they were denied a clear penalty for a trip on Harry Kane who was incorrectly booked for diving.  Almost immediately PAOK were awarded a penalty when Cudicini rushed out  and dived at the incoming forward's feet and tripped him.  Lino scored from the penalty high into the net but as he celebrated the referee ordered a retake as a home player had encroached into the penalty area.  This time he tried to deceive Cudicini by putting it low to his left but hit the ball wide.  Justice was done, even if two wrongs don't make a right.

Harry Kane had a header from a Falque cross saved easily by the goalkeeper.  Tottenham were dealing well with any home pressure and causing some problems as they moved forward.

The second half was similar to the first with Spurs quite comfortable although as the younger players tired the passing of the team wasn't so accurate.  In the final fifteen minutes the home team increased the pressure but Cudicini was up to the task and made three good saves - a double save followed by a vital save in added time.

All of the young players played well, they worked hard and will have gained valuable experience.  Harry Kane did well in the first half but having been moved wide after half-time was less effective although he worked very hard.  Falque had good control but needs to get that final pass in as does Townsend who often lost the ball by running into a dead end.  Carroll was composed on the ball but tired late on and Jake Livermore worked very hard in midfield.  Dos Santos had little opportunity to show the skills he displays when with Mexico but the experienced players worked to support the youngsters.

Harry Redknapp's insistence on playing a young team in this Europa League group game brought its due reward so let's hope that the rested senior players can earn three points at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Tottenham's next Europa League game is at home to Shamrock Rovers on Thursday, 29th September.  Rovers lost their opening game to Rubin Kazan by three goals to nil in Dublin.

Totenham Progress to Europa League Group Stages

Tottenham Hotspur 0 Heart of Midlothian  0 (Agg. Won 5 - 0)

As expected Spurs reached the Group Stages of the Europa League as a youthful side saw out a scoreless draw against Hearts.  Both managers made numerous changes to the teams who played last week and by the end Tottenham were glad to reach the next stage without overly exerting themselves while Hearts was satisfied to have restored some pride with this performance.

Hearts had an early strike against the bar and Tottenham's opening attempt on goal saw Roman Pavlyuchenko bring a save from the Hearts keeper following good work from Harry Kane.  The young striker had brought the ball across the edge of the penalty and was just preparing to shoot when Pavlyuchenko pulled rank and fired in the shot.  A further run from Kane brought a shot across goal and then came his big moment.  He received a lovely pass from Tom Carroll in the penalty area and when  the goalkeeper brought him down the referee awarded a penalty.  Kane stepped up to take it himself but his shot was saved as McDonald dived to his right.  I hope in years to come young Mr Kane will not be thinking, 'If only.'

Both teams played out the second half without creating too much danger, although Carlo Cudicini had to be alert on a couple of occassions.

Team: Cudicini; Corluka, Dawson (Kaboul), Bassong, Townsend; Fredericks (Krankjar), Huddlestone, Livermore (Nicholson), Carroll; Kane, Pavlyuchenko.

Making an Impression

Tom Carroll made his debt and worked tirelessly throughout and was always wanting the ball and was the outstanding performer of the young players on view.  He seems to be quite pacy and played with confidence throughout, dropping deep to collect the ball and looking to make forward passes.  His passing and movement were good and he covered a lot a ground.

Andros Towsend played at full back with a freedom to attack down the left which he did willingly.  He started brightly and caused problems for the Hearts defence but he faded as the game went on as defenders frequentlty dispossessed him before he could do any damage or his cross failed to reach a white shirt.  He needs to improve his final ball although it was difficult for him last night in trying to play in two positions.

Ryan Fredericks also making his debut, showed good pace on the right side of midfield and looked dangerous when running with the ball.

Jake Livermore had another composed game in central midfield with younger players around him.

Jake Nicholson in his first senior appearance, played for the last fifteen minutes in midfield and seemed comfortable in possession and willing to work for the team.

Harry Kane was the player many were wanting to see, having heard good reports of his goal scoring for youth and Spurs XI sides.  In his debut, he worked hard and showed a willingness to cover back to help in defence.  Even in the final minutes of added time he came back to help out and having won the ball in the penalty area, he set off up the field.  He had little support from Pavlyuchenko and few chances on goal.  He created more for Pavlyuchenko than the Russian international did for him.  He seems willing to learn as he showed early in the game.  Corluka bawled him out for not moving onto a through ball but after that he made himself available with runs into space to receive the pass and from one he got behind the defence to shoot across goal.  He also looked to Cudicini for guidance when he went back in defence to defend at a corner, ascertaining where the keeper wanted him to stand for his defensive duties.  After that at every free-kick and corner he took up his delegated position.  He should benefit from this experience and be stronger the next time.

Tottenham can now look forward to the draw to see who they will meet in the next stage of the Europa League.

Harry Redknapp Confirms Youth to Get Chance Against Hearts

At his press conference ahead of the Europa League game against Hearts at White Hart Lane, Harry Redknapp has confirmed his intention to give some of the younger players an opportunity to gain some experience in competitive football for the first team.  Supporters will be pleased to hear that Harry Kane and Tom Carroll who were on loan with Leyton Orient last season will make their debut at some point in the game.  Andros Townsend is also set to get an opportunity to build on last season's goal scoring debut FA Cup appearance against Charlton Athletic.

Andros Townsend
Townsend is a speedy wide player who had loan spells at Millwall, Watford and Ipswich Town under Roy Keane last season.  Previously he had turned out for Yeovil, Leyton Orient and MK Dons.  He is a confident player who was a member of Tottenham's strong Academy side two seasons ago.  He is prepared to take on defenders and can deliver good crosses into the box and is confident enough to shoot with both feet.  In total he has 75 League and Cup appearances during his loan spells, scoring 8 goals.  He has the FA Cup appearance and goal for Spurs and a substitute appearnace against Hearts at Tynecastle to his name as well.

Tom Carroll
Carroll had an impressive season with Orient and was a member of their team which progressed in the FA Cup before losing to Arsenal in a replay at the Emirates.  A hard working midfield player, although lightly made up, he has good distribution and wasn't out of place in the hustle and bustle of League 1 last year when he played 14 times.

Harry Kane

Kane turned eighteen in July but spent part of last year with Orient and was also a member of their successful Cup team although he missed the Cup game at the Emirates through suspension having been sent off in a previous match.  He scored scored five goals from eighteen appearances and has already scored a number of goals for the Spurs XI this season, including a hat-trick against Chris Hughton's strong reserve side.

Supporters will be keen to see these young players in a game that is almost a 'dead' rubber with Tottenham taking a five goal advantage to White Hart Lane.  Sadly, it is one of Tottenham's failings that so few young players come through the Academy/youth set-up to amke a mark in the senior team.  the last player to come into the team and make a telling contribution to the club's fortunes is Ledley king who is so badly missed in central defence due to his on-going injury problems.

Europa League - Tottenham Hotspur v Hearts

Opportunity for Young Players and Squad Members
 

With a five goal advantage going into the second leg of their Europa Cup tie at White Hart Lane against Heart of Midlothian, Harry Redknapp should have the opportunity to rest some of his first team squad and replace them with younger players and those members of the squad who haven't played so far this season.  It was his stated intention to use the Europa League for this purpose and this would seem to be the ideal opportunity.  Development Squad manager, Tim Sherwood, also indicated that some of his players would be used in these games.

Following the draw which paired Spurs and Hearts, a journalist based in Edinburgh who covers the Scottish club's matches was speaking on Talksport and he indicated that Hearts aimed to put in a good performance but realistically regarded the tie as an opportunity to make some money as they knew that there was a difference in class between the two clubs.  He couldn't have expected his words to be proved so accurate in the first game where Spurs were so in control for all but the opening minutes of the second half.

Hearts will come into the second game determined to make up for their lacklustre performance at Tynecastle and as they play for their pride they will give Spurs neither the time nor the space they afforded them in the opening match.  Redknapp will look to put out a balanced team with younger players supported by some of the experienced members of the squad.

Possible Team Selection
Having lost out to Brad Friedel at Old Trafford, Heurelho Gomes could return in goal behind a back four which could include Michael Dawson as captain.  Sebastien Bassong who looks set to leave the club before the end of the transfer window will probably partner him.  Danny Rose could replace Benoit Assou-Ekotto at left back and look to build on his promising performances in that position at the end of last season.  At right back, depending on Kyle Walker's recovery from sickness which required him to be substituted at half-time on Monday evening, Vedran Corluka or Alan Hutton could come in to replace him.  Hutton who is likely to leave would have the opportunity to play against his fellow countrymen.  Unfortunately, on the team news on the official THFC site, Rose is listed as injured with an ankle problem.

In midfield Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone may get some time as well as Jake Livermore who has looked comfortable in the team and may look to add to his experience with another game against Hearts.  Dean Parrett, the England Under-20 player who ended last season on loan at Charlton Athletic may make another European appearance to add to his two games in 2009 against Shakhtar Donetsk.  Andros Townsend who scored on his debut for Spurs in the FA Cup against Charlton Athletic will probably replace either Gareth Bale or Aaron Lennon in the team.  John Bostock and Tom Carroll will hope to get some game time having been on loan during recent seasons.

Bostock, has made three substitute appearances for Spurs in UEFA Cup games and when he made his debut in November, 2008,  against Dinamo Zagreb at White Hart Lane he became the youngest ever First Team player in a competitive match.  At the age of 16 years, 295 days, he beat the previous record held by Ally Dick since 1982.

Harry Kane

Roman Pavlychenko will probably be given his first start of the season and many hope that young Academy player, Harry Kane will get some time in this game.  Kane has just turned eighteen and has been a prolific goal scorer at every level of youth football.  He has had experience on loan with Leyton Orient and has scored regularly for the Development squad and Spurs XI teams this season.

Spurs look sure to progress to the Group stages of the Europa League and the young players will want to take this opportunity to show their ability and to impress so they will want to do it in style by winning the second leg and not limping there on the back of a defeat to their Scottish visitors.  A win would lift morale following the disappointing defeat against Manchester United and prepare everyone for more difficult games in the next few weeks.