Spurs assistant boss Poyet urges axed keeper Robinson to fight for right to play

14 April 2012

Gus Poyet today told Paul Robinson to battle for his place at Tottenham and insisted there had been no bust-up between the keeper and manager Juande Ramos.

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The Tottenham assistant coach said that the former England No1 had to now prove that Ramos was wrong to drop him for last night's Carling Cup semi-final first leg with Arsenal.

The match ended 1-1 with Radek Cerny taking over in goal, leaving Robinson with no apparent future at the club.

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At arm's length: axed keeper Paul Robinson looks down and out on the bench last night as manager Juande Ramos shows his frustration during Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Arsenal

Poyet said: "It was just a normal decision at a football team. It was just like replacing an outfield player for a big match but because it is a goalkeeper it becomes breaking news. Paul now knows what he has to do, he has to prove that the manager was wrong."

Dropping Robinson in front of new England boss Fabio Capello has left the rest of the Spurs squad looking over their shoulders.

Jermaine Jenas admitted all the players fear they could be the next to get the axe from ruthless Ramos.

Ramos has already told striker Jermain Defoe he can leave White Hart Lane and Jenas said: "We now all know that we are playing for our futures.

"Obviously the manager hasn't brought any players of his own in yet and it is inevitable that it will happen.

"But I don't want to play for anyone else and I want to play for Tottenham. We all know we have to perform every time we go on the pitch, but if that fear gets us playing better then it is a good thing."

Ramos refused to guarantee Robinson will return in goal for the match at Chelsea on Saturday and said: "He is no different to Paul Stalteri or Kevin-Prince Boateng or the others on the bench. Only 11 can play."

Meanwhile, defender Pascal Chimbonda has admitted he would welcome a move to Aston Villa, says his agent Willie McKay.

Chimbonda has been told he is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane, along with another Martin O'Neill target, striker Defoe.

McKay said: "Would Pascal welcome a move to Aston Villa? Of course he would. He is looking to leave Tottenham and Villa are a big club."

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