Spurs boss Ramos already facing the striking problems that undermined Jol

He started with Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe and got a goal and bags of energy and enthusiasm in return.

He finished with Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov and immediately saw the contrast between Martin Jol's first-choice strike pair.

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Keane was the day's liveliest player; Berbatov might as well have stayed on the bench.

Ramos, who also gave Kevin- Prince Boateng his League debut, insists the changes will help Spurs cope with their heavy schedule, but the contrasting impact of his front four will confirm assessments which Jol and the club's fans made weeks ago.

Only Keane caused real problems for the maturing David Wheater, an outstanding replacement for Jonathan Woodgate, who pulled a hamstring and sat canoodling with his girlfriend as Chris Riggott and Mark Schwarzer gifted Bent his third Spurs goal.

It was a rare shot from the £16million striker but it was lethal — cutting through Riggott and embarrassing Schwarzer at his near post.

It is not the first goal the Australia keeper has conceded from long range and he was subjected to merciless abuse by his own supporters.

With Berbatov and his agent banging on Ramos' door to start new contract negotiations, the new boss, who is contemplating Fredi Kanoute's return to White Hart Lane, will wait to see which partnership can lift the club.

Ramos said: "If they want to talk we are here and we'll welcome them with open arms.

"I've just arrived and have spoken to the player and I hope there is no problem. I think he'd have told me.

"We have many games and we have to give breathers to the players.

"Bent and Defoe tried really hard and worked well. Bent scored but both gave their all.

"It was difficult for the other two to come on from the bench cold but they tried and worked hard."

Luckless Defoe, who almost created a winner for Bent, believes Ramos's arrival has given him the spark he needs after months in the wilderness.

The England striker, twice left out of the squad by Jol, says the daily double training sessions imposed by the new manager have alarmed a few but set the standard.

Defoe said: "This is a fresh start for me. Being left out was harsh and hard to take, but everyone is looking forward to the challenge.

"We're good enough to string some results together.

"In his short time here, Mr Ramos has made an impression. We're already working as a team."

Ramos was denied a second successive win by Luke Young's wonder strike from 25 yards.

The former Spurs man unleashed a 75mph shot past Paul Robinson who had yelled 'let him shoot' to team-mates.

He had a point — it was Young's first goal from outside the penalty area.

Young then ran round the Riverside like a manic computer character.

He admitted: "As you can see, I don't know how to celebrate goals. I'd still be going if the lads hadn't caught me."

Those Boro fans who have not, prematurely and unfairly, turned their back on Gareth Southgate's team have a peculiar relationship with them.

In 10 years Schwarzer has played through the ups and downs — and triumphs which have set unrealistic expectations in the town.

The treatment of Stewart Downing and the boos at the end of a spirited and edgy fightback were completely unjustified, even if Downing had a shocker and Boro were fortunate to win a point despite being denied a penalty.

England winger Downing lives with scathing criticism as he struggles to maintain the standards expected of an international footballer, but the backing on Teesside has never wavered — until now.

Southgate said: "Ther crowd here can be very critical. I've played in the team so I know how that feels but they'll be with us if we make the forward steps."

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Schwarzer 5; Young 7, Riggott 6, Wheater 8, Taylor 7; O'Neil 7, Rochemback 7 (G Boateng 77min), Cattermole 6, Downing 5; Tuncay Sanli 5 (Hutchinson 72, 6), Aliadiere 6 (D-G Lee 77). Booked: Lee.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-4-2): Robinson 6; Chimbonda 6, Dawson 5, Kaboul 7, Y-P Lee 6; Lennon 6, K-P Boateng 6 (Zokora 63, 6), Jenas 7, Malbranque 6; Defoe 5 (Keane 58, 7), Bent (Berbatov 58, 5).

Man of the match: David Wheater.

Referee: Mike Dean.