Spurs have a lot of young players and a lot of quality, and they are progressing in the right way under (manager) Martin Jol and we're going to have to be on the top of our game to beat them.

It's real tough finding the bodies to quality for the jobs. We've got issues today that you didn't have 15 years ago.

He came out and said he's not a good recruiter, but his best quality is honesty, that he would never lie to his players.

Our beginning in this group was disastrous but, although we gave ourselves a glimmer of hope, unfortunately it's not happened. The main aim for us [when Smith was appointed] was to restore pride and look forward to the European Championship qualifiers. That was the long-term plan and I think we're still on track.

Chelsea are the winners tonight. We lost ground again and Chelsea will be pleased as we are the closest rivals. We have to keep persisting with the way we are playing. We've just got to keep winning and stay in second.

I am desperate to play and if there is a chance I can, even if it is still bothering me, then I will definitely play... it is just whether or not I risk damaging it more.