Sidwell Set To Earn His Spurs

I had to nick the title from the official site, so much better than I'd have come up with! Stevie Sidwell is in contention for the Spurs game.

The midfielder has declared himself fit after a more down than up start to the season following a calf injury, and he's now determined to get into the team and make a place his own.

Speaking on the official site after completing 90 minutes for the reserves against Stoke, he said:

'I feel good - my calf was fine throughout the game. I've not had a problem with it.

'The game was very helpful because it upped my fitness levels.

'It wasn't the plan to play the whole 90 minutes. I was going to play the first half and then see how I felt.

'As the game went on, I felt strong so I stayed on and it was good to get a full match under the belt.

'The reserve game was a good competitive one and that's what I need at the moment.

'I'll be available for the Tottenham match if I can get through the reserve game on Monday. I can't see that being a problem.

'That week - where we play Spurs, Litex Lovech and West Brom - is evidence of why we need a big squad. They are three massive games and I'm sure the manager will want to use everyone in his group.

'I'm sure when everyone is fit, we'll all be giving the gaffer a headache but that what's he's expecting.

'There's certainly going to be good competition for places in midfield in the coming weeks. That's what you want - competition is healthy. It drives you on. Complacency is not an option!'

Last season we coped quite well with any complacency issues if the truth be told, and truth be told 8 players knew they would be starting unless they were injured, but you know it cost us a few points and a few performances sadly.

This season O'Neill has rectified that element and we have options in almost all parts of the park now, save for upfront.

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