Teddy gets Hoddle's backing

Now Hoddle firmly believes that Sheringham's undoubted experience could be a big factor in Eriksson's bid to win the World Cup.

Hoddle told Standard Sport: "Teddy has come on and changed games so many times before. He is a master at it. As a substitute you have got to try and make sure to affect the game in some way - either by scoring a goal or clearing a shot off the line and Teddy proved again just what can be achieved.

"I always felt he would be on the bench even though his age and experience might have earned him a place in the starting line-up. But I am sure Sven always had it in his mind to bring him on at some stage.

"He took his goal so well and demonstrated his experience. He knew exactly where the players would be and that it would take only the deftest of headers to score. I know it is a matter for Sven, but in my opinion I still think we are a little bit naive going forward and I think Teddy should be included in his squad for the finals."

Meanwhile, the Spurs manager is wrestling with defensive problems ahead of tomorrow night's Worthington Cup tie at Tranmere.

Hoddle confirmed that Yugoslav international Goran Bunjevcevic will not be making a quick return to action despite having a special mask fitted to protect his fractured cheekbone in training.

Bunjevcevic sustained the facial injury against Chelsea and although he is back in training, he has yet to head a ball.

Hoddle said: "The game with Tranmere has just come too early for Goran. He has been back to the specialist and had his mask fitted. There is an outside chance of him being fit for the game against Derby next Monday but he won't be involved tomorrow night.

"Whether or not he will play with the mask on is something that will have to be decided by the specialist and Goran when the time comes."

Hoddle is already without new £8 million defender Dean Richards, who is cup-tied, but he has been given some good news concerning youngster Anthony Gardner.

The former Port Vale defender pulled a hamstring in a friendly game at Peterborough last week and it was suggested he would be out for up to a month. But Hoddle said: "The injury to Anthony is not as bad as we first feared. It has turned out to be a slight strain but I doubt we will take a risk with him against Tranmere."

Defender Ben Thatcher is on standby for a first team recall should Hoddle not risk Gardner. The former Wimbledon defender is fit again after a hip injury that required surgery towards the end of last season.