Robinson takes a bullet for 'fantastic' Jol

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Robinson was not even due to travel here but, after a heart-to-heart with his manager, both men agreed it was best to return to action as soon as possible.

Fabio de Matos Pereira, left, of Anorthosis Famagusta fights for the ball with Steed Malbranque of Tottenham Hotspur

"There has been a lot of talk about the manager's future but he has been first-class with me," said Robinson. 'His man-management, the way he handles the team has been fantastic and I couldn't ask for any more.

"If you are a goalkeeper and you make mistakes you are going to get criticised. If you are England's keeper the criticism is going to be worse. I made a mistake, I am a human being and everybody makes mistakes."

Robinson was one of only four of Tottenham's starting line-up to survive from Monday night, with Kevin-Prince Boateng making his debut and Jermain Defoe partnering Darren Bent up front, but the opportunity for a morale-boosting clean sheet was undone by Fabinho in the 54th minute.

William Boaventura's cross was chested into his path by Nikolaos Frousos, albeit with more than a suspicion of handball. The Brazilian's shot took a deflection off Anthony Gardner, taking it beyond Robinson, who was booked for his protest.

"He catches the ball in the box, sets it up and it takes a deflection. That is just the way it is going at present," said Robinson.

Tottenham's blushes were spared when Gareth Bale and Robbie Keane combined for the Irishman to hammer home a sweet strike with 12 minutes remaining.

Man on the spot: Paul Robinson, back in the fray after his nightmare against Aston Villa, gathers safely

Jol's side now progress into the group stages of the UEFA Cup for the second season running, with the draw for the next phase on Tuesday.

A relieved Jol said: "I still consider this game as a clean sheet. If you see the goal, they had two keepers on the pitch."

FAMAGUSTA (4-3-3): Nagy; Tripotsgris, Nicolaou, Constandinou, Ndikumana; Zlogar (Skopelitis 46min), Laban, (Deyanov 83), Panagi; Boaventura, Frousos, Fabinho (Pahars 62).

TOTTENHAM (4-4-2): Robinson; Stalteri, Dawson, Gardner, Lee (Keane 75); Boateng (Bale 69), Huddlestone, Zokora, Malbranque; Bent (Taarabt 85), Defoe. Booked: Robinson. Man of the match: Fabinho. Referee: Pavel Kralovec (Czech Rep).