Jol sets two-year target

Martin Jol believes Tottenham will be competing for top honours within two years.

Spurs' new head coach is impressed by the quality of players he inherited from Jacques Santini, but wants fans to be patient while he moulds a team.

Although Spurs are now in the last eight of the Carling Cup following last night's 3-0 win at Burnley, Jol is keen to play down expectation levels for this season.

Looking ahead to Saturday's north London derby at White Hart Lane, he said: "Arsenal are a settled team and we are a good team, but still growing. However, I promise the fans - who I hope are realistic - that, if we get the time, in two years we will have a terrific side.

"By that I mean we will be going for prizes. Maybe next year the target will be European football and after that it is going for prizes."

Two goals from Robbie Keane and a Jermain Defoe strike gave Jol the perfect start to his reign and erased memories of Spurs' cup exit at Turf Moor in 2002.

Michael Carrick started his first game since his £3million move from West Ham which meant Pedro Mendes starting on the right wing.

Although the Portuguese midfielder adjusted well, Jol believes the move highlights a weakness in his squad.