Bent return boosts Jol's options against rivals

Bent is getting closer to a return from a thigh problem but missed the thrilling draw against Fulham at the weekend, and there are hopes he will be fit for the north London derby a week on Saturday.

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Robbie Keane was disappointed at the weekend when he was taken off for Jermain Defoe, with Spurs then letting a 3-1 lead slip away at Craven Cottage.

Bent's return adds to Jol's problems of keeping four strikers happy but the former Charlton player insists the squad is fully behind their manager, who has appeared under pressure since the infamous meeting between Spurs officials and Sevilla coach Juande Ramos.

"He's been fantastic," said Bent.

"You can see the players are behind him 100%, everyone loves him. Whatever is going on behind closed doors we know nothing about.

"The players love him, the fans love him. He's our manager. It's surprising as we've finished fifth in the last two years - people are saying if you don't finish fourth then he's out. I think that is ridiculous."

He added on Sky Sports News: "You've still got four strong squads in Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea. It's not going to be easy but we know what we have to do."

Bent arrived at White Hart Lane in the summer for £16.5million, with Jol spending around £40million in total on players which has increased the pressure to get Champions League football.

Sporting director Damien Comolli, whose relationship with Jol has been under scrutiny during Spurs' poor start to the season, was pleased with the club's summer transfer activity.

"All of the players are internationals for their age-group or at full senior level," said Comolli.

"They are big talents and we are confident they will fulfil their potential at this club and go on to have successful international careers.

"This would be good for them, but also good for us as international football can only broaden their experience, which can only be of benefit to our squad."

Centre-back Michael Dawson was scheduled to play in a reserve match against Birmingham as he steps up his return from an ankle injury.