Jol wants to keep Spurs' cup run going

[bandini]

Tottenham boss Martin Jol admits last season's early cup exits helped his side's Premiership form but he is determined to keep Spurs' run going in the knockout competitions this season.

Spurs were knocked out of the Carling Cup last year by League Two side Grimsby and face Port Vale in the fourth round of the current competition on Wednesday at White Hart Lane.

Jol's men are also on the brink of reaching the knockout stages of the Uefa Cup following last week's win against Club Brugge as well as finding their form in The Premiership.

Victory over champions Chelsea on Sunday extended Spurs' unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions, the sort of form that had them on the verge of UEFA Champions League qualification last season.

Jol feels last season's push was easier without the burden of cup ties - they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Leicester in the third round - but he still remains focused on victory over League One outfit Vale.

"It was a big advantage to focus on the league," said Jol.

"Now you see all the problems you get playing so many games.

"No-one will consider your problems but Arsenal have the same, Chelsea as well. I still feel it is strange we have to play on a Thursday in Europe."

Jol could play some of his reserves against Vale, as he did in the 5-0 win over MK Dons in the previous round.

"They are a League One side so a bit better than Milton Keynes, but I will probably rest a couple of players," Jol added.

"It is probably a good experience for the reserve players but not a good signal to the crowd because we want to win the Carling Cup. I will have to make a couple of decisions."

Striker Mido, who scored twice against MK Dons and has three goals from his last two starts, believes being able to rest players shows the strength of Jol's squad.

"The strikers are scoring again but the whole squad is doing well at the moment," Mido said.

"Not many teams have a squad like ours where so many players can come straight into the starting line-up and do a job."

Steed Malbranque, who has been recovering from a hernia operation, could feature against Vale, who defeated Spurs in the FA Cup in 1988.

source: home.skysports.com

Let's not forget that Spurs are actually a better cup side than a championship one, but it would be good to get some balance.