SPURS NEWS:

Paul Robinson does not feel Tottenham's taxing Carling Cup battle with Southend in midweek will unduly affect them over the Christmas period.

Source: Sky Sports

Spurs needed extra-time to see off the Championship strugglers, which was far from ideal preparation for the busy festive period.

Tottenham face Newcastle on Saturday, Aston Villa on Boxing Day, Liverpool on the 30th and Portsmouth on New Year's Day, but Robinson feels Martin Jol's side will be able to cope.

"We are playing well going into the Christmas period, but there are a lot of games over December," Robinson told Sky Sports News. "They are coming thick and fast.

"Hopefully we can get a good result at Newcastle and that will be a springboard for the rest of December."

Commenting on the 1-0 win over The Shrimpers, Robinson added: "It is only half an hour and we are all professional, so in the grand scheme of things half an hour is not a lot.

"The midweek games and weekend games are coming so thick and fast we are getting used to them, so we are doing less training and more playing games."

Robinson is aware Newcastle have found some decent form in recent weeks and claims Spurs will not take The Magpies lightly.

"They have had an indifferent start to the season, but it is going to be a difficult game.

"They are getting a few players back from injury, so we are not kidding ourselves."