Hoddle confident that Zamora can make grade

Glenn Hoddle, the Tottenham manager, yesterday said he was delighted to have signed Bobby Zamora after revealing he had followed the striker's progress for two years.

Zamora was a prolific goalscorer at Brighton, hitting more than 30 goals a season as the Seagulls won back-to-back promotions in 2001 and 2002 - a record which established him as one of the hottest properties outside the Premiership.

The London-born striker has now joined Spurs on a three-year contract in a £1.5m deal, becoming the White Hart Lane club's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Helder Postiga for £6.25m from Porto.

Hoddle said: "I watched him closely for two seasons before we signed him. He's got a little bit of everything and now we have got three young strikers. It's good to have that little bit of pace.

"He's a proven goalscorer outside the Premiership and I'm sure he can score goals in the Premiership. I was at Brighton a few times watching him and people put two and two together. It's been a fairly long haul but we're delighted he has signed.

"He has a few strings to his bow and he's shown what a talent he's got to be able to take on different roles and produce the goods.

"We didn't get anyone in during the winter break and then we got some injuries and that hurt us. But that allowed us to have the financial clout to have a go in the summer."

Zamora, who scored 14 goals in 36 appearances last season for Brighton despite the club being relegated to the Second Division, added: "I really wanted to sign for Tottenham and now I've finally done it so I'm delighted. I'll have to work hard and if it all goes well I can play a few games.

"It's going to be a challenge but I know I'm going to learn from the calibre of players here. The Premiership is the league to be in and I expect every aspect of the game to be a lot harder, but I'm looking forward to it."