Jermaine Jenas believes Roman Pavlyuchenko must be given a rest if he is to hit top form for Tottenham.

The Russia striker has failed to shine in his two appearances since his £14million move from Spartak Moscow, and was taken off at half-time of Sunday's 0-0 draw with Wigan at White Hart Lane.

Pavlyuchenko, 26, played regularly for club and country during the summer, and Jenas believes his new team-mate could be paying the price for his heavy schedule.

Jenas said: "You have to remember Roman has had a long old season. He may need a bit of a rest here and there.

"But I have seen enough of him, both in training and in flashes in games, to suggest that he is going to be a fantastic player for Tottenham."

Boss Juande Ramos revealed last week that his lack of attacking options prevents him from easing Pavlyuchenko into English football.

Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov have all left Spurs this year, meaning Pavlyuchenko, Darren Bent and on-loan Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell are the club's only senior forwards.

After suffering their worst start to a season since 1955, it is crucial for Spurs that Pavlyuchenko finds his stride soon, with tomorrow's Carling Cup tie at another club in difficulty, Newcastle, now a must-win clash.

Jenas added: "It is a huge game. Every game for us is vital at the minute, but if we keep working hard, hopefully things will start to gel."

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has stepped up his efforts to sell his club by appointing an investment bank to handle negotiations.

London-based Seymour Pierce will oversee the sale of the club, which has been strongly linked with potential purchasers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Reports from Africa have also suggested that a bid of £350million - around £130m less than the asking price allegedly quoted last week - has already been tabled.