Spurs still have a bit of work left

SOCCER/English FA Premiership/Tottenham 1 Blackburn 1: Dimitar Berbatov has been the focus of attention but, with Chelsea and Manchester United apparently searching for a new striker, the form of Benni McCarthy must also demand consideration

The South African scored again last night to take his season's tally to 23, one more than Berbatov, and leave Tottenham needing a point against Manchester City on the final day of the season to be absolutely certain of a Uefa Cup place.

Jermain Defoe's equaliser for Spurs, however, ends Blackburn's hopes of automatic inclusion in the Uefa Cup, although the Intertoto Cup remains a possibility.

Mark Hughes has been insistent that McCarthy is not available and European football would certainly provide a more persuasive argument in any discussions with the 29-year-old.

Defoe has suffered a frustrating spell spent largely on the Tottenham bench in recent weeks but, after making such an impact on Monday with the goal that sealed Charlton's relegation to the Championship, he started alongside Berbatov. That meant that Robbie Keane, who has scored eight goals in his last eight games, was relegated to the bench, while a slight back injury had ruled Jermaine Jenas out.

As ever, Berbatov was the focal point, although his understanding with Defoe initially took time to click as the Blackburn defence, notably Ryan Nelsen, intercepted several attempted flicks and passes.

Blackburn had gone into the match unbeaten in four games and their determination to protect that record was evident by the disciplined way they defended in two banks of four.

After switching to the left following the departure of Steed Malbranque with what looked like a hamstring problem, Aaron Lennon won a corner and then floated over a high corner which was headed into the arms of Brad Friedel by Pascal Chimbonda.

When Blackburn did begin to venture regularly into the Tottenham half, they immediately looked the more dangerous team. Morten Gamst Pedersen had a fierce shot fly narrowly wide and, on 32 minutes, he delivered a superb left-footed cross into the penalty area.

McCarthy had made a clever run to escape Ledley King's attention and powerfully headed beyond Paul Robinson in the Tottenham goal.

Robinson was then called into action to save a deflected Jason Roberts shot.

Chances continued to be at a premium early in the second half. Again Tottenham enjoyed plenty of possession but found it difficult to make any incisions. Friedel was only called into action from a Berbatov free-kick after Pedersen had upended Defoe on the edge of the area.

Martin Jol's frustration manifested itself in substitution of Hossam Ghaly with Keane to form a three-man attack.

Only the cross-bar prevented Blackburn from doubling their lead through Christopher Samba before Jol's substitution was vindicated. Keane threaded a pass to Berbatov, whose shot was parried by Friedel into the path of Defoe for an equaliser.

In injury-time, Roberts was sent off after being booked for a challenge on Didier Zokora and then talking his way to a red card for dissent.

Guardian Service

TOTTENHAM: Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, King, Gardner, Lennon, Zokora, Tainio, Malbranque (Ghaly 29), Berbatov, Defoe, Ghaly (Keane 60). Subs not used: Cerny, Huddlestone, Ifil. Goals: Defoe 67.

BLACKBURN: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Bentley, Kerimoglu (Gallagher 90), Mokoena (Derbyshire 76), Pedersen, McCarthy, Roberts. Subs not used: Brown, Henchoz, Berner. Sent off: Roberts (90). Booked: Mokoena, Pedersen, Roberts. Goals: McCarthy 32.

Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).