Shot-shy Spurs turn to Lennon for goals

Martin Jol has thrown his weight behind Aaron Lennon as the player to solve Tottenham's chronic shortage of goals.

Weekend reports may have linked the Spurs manager with a bid for David Beckham, ironically the man who Lennon has helped to force out of the England squad.

But club sources have played down interest in the former England skipper - Jol claims he was partly misquoted - and the Dutchman has been keen to espouse the qualities of the rightwinger who represents the future of Spurs.

Lennon was unable to help the north Londoners add to their paltry strike rate of six goals in 10 Premiership games during Saturday's goalless draw against Watford but his darting runs, albeit from an unfamiliar position on the left flank, were a huge threat in his first 90 minute run-out for two months.

"He's a big talent because he beats his man eight times out of ten," said Jol. "Who else can do that, apart from maybe Shaun Wright-Phillips?

"Aaron had maybe four chances and hopefully he will improve in front of goal because he's a bright lad. If you can create three opportunities in one half as a winger yo must be pretty talented but we already knew that because he's an international.

"And he listens because he wants to be a top player."

Tottenham go into Thursday's UEFA Cup tie against FC Bruges without Calum Davenport, who will be out for two weeks after picking up a groin injury in last week's Carling Cup win over MK Dons.

Meanwhile, Waford winger Tommy Smith says he is to blame for the club's failure to land their first three points of the season after he fluffed a sitter from a couple of yards against Tottenham.

"I will have nightmares about it," Smith said. "I will not sleep for a few nights now but that is part of being a footballer."