Keane backs players to lift Spurs

Juande Ramos is set to take charge at White Hart Lane following his departure from Sevilla but Robbie Keane insists it is down to the players to drag Tottenham out of trouble.

Ramos is expected to be confirmed as Martin Jol's successor following the Dutchman's dismissal on Thursday evening, bringing an end to a messy final few months of his reign.

Development coach Clive Allen and youth team boss Alex Inglethorpe will take charge of the first team for the clash against Blackburn at home tomorrow, with Spurs looking to climb out of the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League.

Stand-in skipper Keane is doing his part with six goals this season, but Ramos will inherit a team with little confidence elsewhere.

Keane has seen two of his managers leave this week — Steve Staunton also left his post with Republic of Ireland — and he feels it is the players at White Hart Lane who have to stop the rot.

"Every one of us in the squad is convinced our fortunes will soon take a turn for the better but we are also very much aware that it is down to us to make sure that happens sooner rather than later," said the 27-year-old.

"You would accept any slice of luck when you are impatiently awaiting an overdue victory and it is often the case that an own goal, one off someone's backside or some sort of freak opening can get you going.

"On such incidents in your favour seasons can turn around."

Spurs still only have one victory in the league, a stroll against hapless Derby in the first week of the season.

Blackburn are expected to provide a stern examination as they look to consolidate their place in the top six, and they will also provide the type of physical test that Jol accused his team of failing at times last season.

Keane feels it is time for the players to pull together.

"Pointing the finger at individuals is not the answer and I know we always labour the point, but everything is about the team," he said.

"Defending starts from the front, attacks begin at the back and we all have responsibilities at both ends.

"When you get some wins under your belt you feel that much more sure of yourself, there is conviction in what you attempt to do and more often than not it comes off for you.

"That is what we want to get back to. We just need that starting point, to grind out a victory that is perhaps assisted by that little bit of fortune."

Defender Anthony Gardner picked up an ankle injury during the UEFA Cup defeat to Getafe, the final game under Jol.

Jermaine Jenas picked up a knock in training earlier in the week but could be back.

Gareth Bale (foot), Ledley King (knee), Paul Robinson (calf) and Ricardo Rocha (ankle) are out, and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) has been struggling.

Ben Alnwick has been recalled from his loan at Luton and could be on the bench, with Radek Cerny deputising for Robinson in goal.