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Kanoute says 'no' to Olympics

By Raoul Simons, Evening Standard Last updated at 00:00am on 30.07.04

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Freddie Kanoute has given Tottenham a lift by deciding not to play for Mali in the Olympic Games.

Although the tournament is for Under-23s, Kanoute was being considered as one of his country's permitted over-age players.

But Mali coach Cheik Oumar Kone failed to persuade Kanoute to take part and has now named his squad without the former France Under-21 international.

Kanoute provoked a furious response from Spurs when he opted out of his club's relegation battle to play in the African Nations Cup last January. If the 26-year-old had been selected for the Games in Athens, he would have missed Tottenham's four opening Premiership games. Kanoute's availability is good news for coach Jacques Santini who has already lost striker Robbie Keane for several weeks with ankle ligament damage. However, the former West Ham striker must recover from a virus which has prevented him playing any part in the club's pre-season campaign.

Spurs face Nottingham Forest tomorrow when the club's hierarchy will get a first-hand look at transfer target Andy Reid.

Santini has only won one of his seven pre-season games since taking charge and said: "We have a young team and I hope these mistakes won't happen again."