Spurs win proves costly

Last updated : 29 December 2002 By Martyn Elliott

Speed's goal came at a price
Speaking after the game Sir Bobby told the club’s official website: "I can virtually guarantee that Gary Speed will require a hernia operation and will probably spend six weeks out.

"Kieron will be seeing a specialist about his calf problem, and that has maybe come about because he never misses a game.

"It has been a busy time recently with a lot of games, and they may have taken their toll on Kieron. We’ll see what the specialist says.

"And as for Nobby, he was concussed after clashing heads.

"At half time he was dizzy, he couldn’t remember anything and didn’t know who he was – but then again he never does!"

The loss of Speed is a disaster as he has been one of our most consistent performers this season, although Jermaine Jenas is an able deputy. But if Dyer faces a lay off at the same time the midfield will be looking very weak, particularly with Hugo Viana already ruled out for several months.