Keller backs Kanoute in country dispute

Freddie Kanoute today received an endorsement of his decision to play for Mali in the African Cup of Nations - from a team-mate he will leave behind at White Hart Lane.

The Frenchman's case is being assessed by FIFA today. Tottenham's American goalkeeper Kasey Keller has had his share of club versus country disputes and knows what Kanoute is going through.

"You can't do anything about losing Freddie," said Keller. "You have to hope that someone else will take their chance and make it difficult for him to get into the team when he comes back. That is the key.

"You want to have as many players as possible at your disposal but I still blame FIFA. When I first went to Leicester I had lots of problems having to leave and play internationals.

"I had a gentleman's agreement with Glenn Hoddle when he was manager at Spurs that if I was playing in the first team I would not leave for national team games.

"FIFA set the mandate and you have to go where they tell you.

"Try telling an English player they can't play for their country. Go and tell David Beckham right now that he has to choose Real Madrid or England. It is unfair to put that into the player's hands so he goes where FIFA tells him to.