Spurs new boys to miss out

Summer signings Thimothee Atouba, Erik Edman and Noureddine Naybet will all miss Tottenham's Carling Cup tie at Oldham tonight.

Atouba picked up a knock in the goalless draw at Chelsea on Sunday but coach Chris Hughton stressed that none of the trio is suffering from a serious problem.

Hughton said: "There is no big injury doubt with any of them. In effect, they are only little knocks but we felt they would benefit from having the extra day's rest.

"We're certainly not too concerned about injury problems on top of the two or three we already have out." However, two more of Spurs' recent signings, Sean Davis and Michael Carrick, are long-term absentees, along with full-back Mauricio Taricco.

Hughton added: "Looking at the squad we're taking, it's giving Oldham the respect they deserve.

"It's a good opportunity for us to make progress in the competition but it will be a difficult game. They are at home in front of a passionate crowd and will see it as the chance to put one over a Premiership side."