Santini is silent on FA anger

But midfielder Simon Davies claims he and his team-mates are being made to fight for their firstteam places far more than they did under Glenn Hoddle or David Pleat.

As the squad prepared for their journey north today, the Wales international said not one of the players knew who would be in the starting line-up at Goodison Park.

Davies, who signed a new contract last season that ties him to White Hart Lane until 2009, said: "Everyone has to prove himself now. There will be a lot of squad rotation this season and in training, unlike last year, a lot of the lads don't know if they will play in the next game.

"Before Mr Santini came we tended to know who was going to be in the team but now, he mixes it around a lot in training and it keeps everyone involved.

"In the last few weeks the team has not been named by the manager until a few hours before the kick-off at the hotel. It keeps everyone fighting for their place."

Spurs attracted much criticism from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for the way they shut-up shop at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago to come away with a point.

But Davies believes Spurs have nothing to feel guilty about. "We know we are not quite at the stage yet where we can go to places like Chelsea and dominate the game," he said. "I thought we worked tremendously hard and got a deserved point.

"We are much more solid as a unit this season. We've still got a bit more to work on when going forward and creating chances but more importantly we have a solid base to work from."

While Davies figures in Santini's squad for the trip to Goodison, striker Freddie Kanoute is ruled out by a hamstring strain.

However, Spurs are boosted by the return of midfielder Sean Davis, who has been out for a month with tendinitis in his knee. He is likely to start on the bench. Everton welcome back defender Alan Stubbs from injury.