Boss Joe Royle has failed in a bid to take Tottenham striker Grzegorz Rasiak on loan. Royle wanted the Pole to join on a short-term spell in January as cover for Sam Parkin, out for up to four months after breaking his ankle.

Rasiak moved to White Hart Lane from Derby in August and has made only two starts and one substitute appearance since then, leading to suggestions that he could return to the Rams or another Championship side on loan.

However, Spurs manager Martin Jol says that the 26-year-old is still very much in his plans: "I think he is doing great. He has been terrific in training and he is one of the best players with his head in the Premiership.

"It is still a few weeks before Mido goes to the African Nations Cup and he is playing at the moment because he is doing well.

"Rasiak knows he is his understudy so if Mido is not there, he will play or I will play with Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe, although that is not an ideal situation.

"I prefer somebody who is a target man and a player who can play off him. I need somebody who can hold up the ball."

Royle is also on the lookout for a left-back since Jay McEveley returned to Blackburn after tearing a medial knee ligament.

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