Hoddle: Loan system is wrong

Glenn Hoddle has voiced his concern over the new Premiership loan rule that has allowed Arsenal's Jermaine Pennant to line up for Leeds at White Hart Lane tomorrow.

Pennant has made a two-month switch to Elland Road but Hoddle said: "It is something that I couldn't see happening five or six years ago. I think it would be difficult to play against a player from your club especially towards the end of the season.

"You could have the scenario of someone sending a team down then going back to that club and playing in the First Division next year. I don't think that is right. There are loopholes there that need to be looked at and closed."

Hoddle is also unrepentant about his outburst against referee Rob Styles after last Saturday's opening day defeat at Birmingham.

The FA are set to charge him with bringing the game into disrepute but Hoddle said: "I have no regrets. I said what I said. He should not have been officiating that game. But that was not down to the referee, it was down to those who chose him."

Striker Frederic Kanoute trained yesterday but will not be fit to play this weekend.

The club yesterday succeeded in gaining a work permit for South Africa skipper Mbulelo Mabizela and he should go straight into the squad providing the paperwork between the defender and his former club, Orlando Pirates, can be completed in time today.

Bobby Convey, the USA midfielder hoping to join Spurs from DC United, will have his application for a work permit heard next Thursday.