Hoddle backs Postiga to go it alone

Glenn Hoddle gave Helder Postiga a confidence boost today, as he faced being Tottenham's only fit forward for their game against Leeds.

The Tottenham manager is waiting on the fitness of Bobby Zamora after both Robbie Keane and Freddie Kanoute were ruled out of tomorrow's match at White Hart Lane.

Kanoute has failed to recover from a groin injury sustained in his first Spurs training session, while Keane damaged his ankle while playing for the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday and is out for at least three matches.

Hoddle spent £12m on new strikers this summer but the team have gone three matches, including two high-profile friendlies, without scoring.

Postiga, who cost £6.25m from Porto, was substituted after 55 minutes at Birmingham and is taking time to get used to English football. But Hoddle said: "I won't be talking to him about his performance. I think the only thing wrong was that he tried too hard to impress in his first game away from home.

"He does not need to prove anything to me or his teammates. He will be an excellent player but it takes time for anyone to settle and I know that from my own experience. Once he gets a goal I'm sure he will settle down very quickly."