Spurs recall for Defoe?

The Carling Cup third round clash against Boro offers a chance to recall Defoe, who has not made the matchday squad for the last two league games, as well as Gareth Bale.

"We've got a few options when it comes to the starting line-up, Aaron Lennon is fine and fit for selection, along with Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale," Jol said.

"We will make some changes, but we will always field a strong team."

With Spurs chairman Daniel Levy determined to reach the Champions League, Jol's failure to keep Defoe happy has been one of the criticisms he has faced.

Jol argues that Defoe started more league games than Robbie Keane last season but he clearly favours Keane and Dimitar Berbatov for important games, and Darren Bent has added to the competition.

Spurs played 21 cup games last season and Jol was looking at following the "big four" by making sweeping changes for Carling Cup games to help league form this time around, yet any victory will be welcomed as Spurs have only beaten Derby and Anorthosis Famagusta so far in the current campaign and are in the bottom three of the Premier League.

"It was not the easiest of draws for us, but we are at home and that is what you want," he said.

"For us it is important, we want to get into the next round with a win at the Lane in front of our supporters."

An injury to Mido means Jol is unlikely to be reunited with the striker he persuaded to stay in January before allowing him to go before the transfer window closed in August.