Spurs boss underlines Keane importance
Spurs manager Martin Jol insists he has no plans to sell Robbie Keane when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year.
The Irish international striker has struggled to hold down a starting role this season, but has made an impression with crucial goals from the bench against Aston Villa a fortnight ago and Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
Reputed to be a target for Everton and Manchester City, Keane is unhappy to be restricted to a substitute’s role, but Jol stresses that he remains a massive part of his plans at White Hart Lane.
“Robbie is a big part of our set-up,” said the Dutchman. “I’ve told him that we have to fight his situation together. It’s our problem. If Robbie wants to play for us, he will.
“He can only get his best form by playing and that’s why I am happy he is playing for Ireland. If you don’t play 90 minutes you tend to lose your fitness a bit.
"He’s not like the old Liverpool ’super-sub’ David Fairclough – he should be playing. Robbie came on against Aston Villa and scored for us earlier in the season but it is always very difficult and I have to make a decision.
"Jermain scored a very important goal for us against Fulham on Monday. With players like Robbie on the bench you always have a chance. Nine out of 10 times he will score."