Defoe could ruin Doherty's return

The Irish defender, who joined Norwich for an undisclosed fee three weeks ago, said: "As soon as Jermain was named in the England team I thought he might get himself a goal. He is especially good at debut goals. His record is second to none really and he is a top player."

Doherty has seen Defoe's tricks close at hand in training to know what he will be up against at White Hart Lane, but he says he won't be giving his team-mates any advice about stopping the former West Ham striker.

Doherty added: "They are old enough and experienced enough to play against people like Defoe. I won't be giving them any tips. They know their job well enough.

"I had three good years at Spurs and, although it will be a bit strange, it will be nice to see the players again as I have been keeping in contact with them."

Anthony Gardner, Doherty's former team-mate, said: "I got on well with Gary, he was popular here. I spoke to him last week after he scored against Newcastle on his debut and his confidence is flying high. He's happy with the move and happy with a fresh start."

Simon Davies, meanwhile, is determined to repay Tottenham's faith as he bids to end a year-long injury nightmare with a place on the substitute's bench.

He made just 17 league appearances last season because of hip and shin problems that have also kept him out of the start to the present campaign.

He trained this week and club doctor Dr Charlotte Cowie said: "Simon has just resumed full training but is not quite there yet.

"We've had to protect the area of the operation so, although he has been training with the other players, there has been no contact, which meant he was not fit enough for the Wales international in midweek. We are hoping he will at least be available for the bench on Sunday, but it does depend a little bit on building contact into his training."

French coach Jacques Santini will be itching to push Davies into the problematical right midfield slot - a position filled by Michael Brown and Jamie Redknapp this term.

Even though he was sidelined for much of last season, Spurs handed the former Peterborough player a new long-term contract.

The 24-year-old, who is hoping to be fully fit for Wales's World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford next month, said: "I owe Tottenham a lot. Last year was a difficult one, but the club has stood by me and I want to repay that faith.

"The fans have been brilliant and very patient when I've been injured and once I get back in the team I can move on with my career. It's been a year since I've played free of injury. It's been difficult. I'm pain free for the first time in ages so I'm looking to get back in the team and do well.

"The game against England is a great target a month down the line.

"Wales will be a bonus and England will be a great game to be involved with, but Tottenham is my main priority at the moment."

Cameroon international Thimothee-Atouba is fit for Sunday's-match following his knee ligament injury.

But full-back Philip Ifil and Brazilian striker Edson Silva are both out after sustaining injuries playing for the reserves.

Ifil suffered minor ankle ligament damage while Silva damaged the joint between his shoulder and collar bone.

Centre-back Dean Richards remains unavailable because of an ear infection.