Next two weeks will test the Spurs revivalists

But for Andy Johnson's late equaliser for Crystal Palace on Tuesday, Spurs would have extended their winning run in the Premiership to six straight matches.

Compared to Santini's final six league matches - four defeats, one draw and one win - Tottenham's rapid recovery is little short of miraculous, and can't last. Or can it?

"We'll see how good we are in the next few games," Carrick said. "We've got Everton and Manchester United over the New Year and Chelsea in a fortnight.

"We've had to grind out a couple of one-goal victories but I thought the 5-1 win over Southampton showed we could pass the ball well and still look solid as a unit."

The goalscoring trio of Robbie Keane and former West Ham teammates Jermain Defoe and Fredi Kanoute have all profited from Carrick's impressive passing range.

Those with memories stretching back a couple of decades might be tempted to compare Carrick with a young Glenn Hoddle. "People have mentioned it to me and it's flattering," he said. "But Glenn Hoddle is a legend. I just try to keep my head down and get on with things."

This realistic attitude has helped the youngster West Ham sold for £3 million to establish his claim to a first-team place at Spurs - but his impact was far from immediate. Santini used him only as a substitute, something which was hard to take for a player who, at Upton Park, had been a very big fish in a smaller pond.

"I asked Mr Santini why he wouldn't play me and he simply said that he had a lot of good midfield players," Carrick said. "He told me to be patient.

"I never had any bad words with him. I knew that when I arrived I would have to earn my place in the team. I didn't expect to get straight into the team, but it has taken a bit longer than I thought."

At 19, Carrick was being talked of as an England player of huge potential. He was given his first senior cap against Mexico in a 4-0 win at Derby nearly four years ago. His second came against Holland in August 2001. And then - nothing.

Perhaps elevation came too soon? "At the time I didn't know anything different," he said. "Everything-had gone so well. I hadn't experienced the downside of the game with relegation at West Ham."

A Newcastle boy, Carrick lived in digs from the age of 15 and has nothing but warm memories of his time at West Ham. "I was a Newcastle fan and loved Peter Beardsley, but from the moment I arrived at Upton Park I knew it was the place for me," he said. "I'm indebted to them.

"I left because the timing was right for them and me. From a career point of view I needed to be in the Premier League.

"I don't want to look too far ahead but I'd love to get back in the England frame."

Carrick still has much to do if he is to live up to his early promise. He has yet to find the net for Spurs and scored only five times in four seasons in West Ham's first team.

"I wish I could get more goals," he agreed. "Playing in deep midfield roles stops me getting forward but I know I should score more."

Noureddine Naybet is set to return for Spurs after recovering from an ankle injury. He is likely to replace Anthony Gardner in central defence.

Everton keeper Nigel Martyn will miss his first Premiership match for 16 months due to a calf injury and will be replaced by Richard Wright. Duncan Ferguson is suspended and Steve Watson is doubtful with a stomach upset.