Doherty can't wait to put one over Tottenham

Former Tottenham defender Gary Doherty, one of the first victims of Frank Arnesen's revolution at White Hart Lane, says taking maximum points off Spurs in the Premiership clash on Boxing Day would be a "dream" result.

Doherty made 78 appearances during a three-year spell at Spurs, but was quickly dumped on the reject pile when sporting director Arnesen replaced David Pleat last summer.

The 24-year-old was sold to Norwich for an undisclosed fee in August without even starting a league game for Jacques Santini. Now, fired up for the Carrow Road clash, Doherty said: "I'm really looking forward to it. Three points would mean everything and would be a dream."

Having gone through pre-season training at Spurs, the Republic of Ireland international is acutely aware of the strengths and weaknesses of coach Martin Jol's side. He admits their in-form strike force, who have been instrumental in a run of four successive Premiership wins, will pose a serious challenge on Sunday. Doherty said: "They are top players and I've got every respect for all of them. Jermain Defoe is sensational and I also hold Robbie Keane and Fredi Kanoute in high regard. They are in form and will be difficult for us."

Spurs defender Noureddine Naybet is available after recovering from a groin injury which forced him to miss last Saturday's 5-1 victory over Southampton.

Full-back Erik Edman is also back in the squad, but midfielders Sean Davis and Simon Davies are still at least two weeks away from full fitness.