Michael Dawson to get first Tottenham start since spurning QPR

Tottenham Hotspur will make changes for tonight's Capital One Cup game at Carlisle United, with Michael Dawson and Steven Caulker likely to start at centre-back.

"We have seven injured players and we have an important game on Saturday at Manchester United," assistant manager Steffen Freund said yesterday. "We have to handle the whole situation."

Dawson has not played yet this season after turning down a move to Queen's Park Rangers this summer. "The most important thing is how he reacts and that he likes to play for Tottenham," Freund said.

"He realises that he is not playing at the moment but things can change in football. When you are a strong club like Tottenham there are a lot of opportunities."

Caulker has started once this season and Freund is confident about the 20-year-old's future. "He's definitely one of the best centre-halves in England right now," said Freund, adding that Caulker has the potential to develop as a replacement for John Terry in the national side.

"He's similar [to Terry]. He is like a rock in the defence, he's very tall and strong, and is difficult to beat in a one-on-one situation. He's very talented and wants to improve every game."

Tom Huddlestone and Jermaine Jenas are also likely to feature in a revamped Tottenham midfield.