Spurs boss Ramos looks for early returns

Reminders of that night two years ago adorn the corridors of PSV Eindhoven's Philips Stadion. But Ramos, never the sentimental type, has consigned such past glories to the history books — much like the Carling Cup win over Chelsea.

Spurs need to overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg against the Dutch champions to progress to the quarterfinals of the competition Ramos has made his own. The Spaniard said: 'I have magnificent memories about the first cup we won at Sevilla, it was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. But that has nothing to do with this game and now we have to think about playing well if we want to stay in this competition.

'We are going to need a similar type of performance as Sevilla produced here last time. The players are going to have to play at an extremely high level to get through.'

Ramos feels an early goal will be key to Tottenham's chances of progression, although he insisted that burden cannot be the sole preserve of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane.

'PSV have already demonstrated at our ground what a fantastic team they are,' said Ramos. 'The result makes things much more difficult, but we have our weapons and will fight to the maximum to achieve victory.

'It's not just Keane and Berbatov who need to be responsible for winning. Everyone has to be at their best.

'We need to create chances to score and, above all, to score early so nerves do not creep in. It will be a very tight game and one goal will tip the balance.'

Ramos is no stranger to UEFA Cup comebacks. A notable example is Sevilla's rescue mission at the same stage of the competition last season against Shakhtar Donetsk, started by goalkeeper Andres Palop's equaliser in injury time and finished by Javier Ernesto Chevanton's winner in extra time.

They went on to retain the trophy and Ramos is confident his new charges can produce similar heroics tonight, insisting there will be no change in his philosophy of high malways play to win,' insisted Ramos.

'We have no other type of football or concept of playing. One mistake has cost us, but we have to keep fighting and I don't see a great difference between the teams.'

That mistake by January signing Gilberto on his debut has seen the Brazilian left in London, with Ramos confirming that his absence is down to a tactical decision rather than injury.

But Didier Zokora is confident his side can atone for Gilberto's mistake by overturning Jefferson Farfan's goal, especially with the 39-goal partnership of Keane and Berbatov in such devastating form.

'They have scored a lot of goals,' said Zokora. 'We need help in this tie and they are ready. They are one of the best partnerships in the Premier League.'