Tottenham chartered plane to ensure Emmanuel Adebayor was available for Newcastle match

The striker angered fans by his apparent casualness in returning from the African Cup of Nations

Andre Villas-Boas has revealed that Tottenham chartered a private jet to ensure Emmanuel Adebayor made it back in time for yesterday's 2-1 win over Newcastle.

Adebayor infuriated some Spurs fans this week when he waited until five days after Togo's elimination from the African Nations Cup before travelling back to London even though he is the club's only fit striker.

Villas-Boas said earlier this week that he wanted Adebayor back in training on Friday, but the 28-year-old did not land back in England until 6pm that day so missed the session at the club's base in Enfield and had to sit on the bench in Saturday's game.

Indeed the only way Spurs could get their man back to Britain was by hiring a plane for him

"Yes, (we sent a jet to get him)," the Spurs manager said.

"He arrived in Luton yesterday around 6 o'clock and then joined the team at the hotel."

Villas-Boas has remained calm when questioned about Adebayor's failure to return earlier all week.

The Portuguese said the former Arsenal striker had "issues" to deal with following his country's exit from the tournament.

If he was angry at the striker's actions, he was not showing it publicly yesterday.

"It was obviously good to have him," said Villas-Boas, who brought Adebayor on in the second half.

"He helped the team get the result so it is good to get him back.

"It's very difficult. First he was authorised to come back on Friday. Some issues arose that have put that comeback in jeopardy, but he still was in time to come back and make an impact from the bench."

Adebayor played an important role in setting up Gareth Bale for his second strike against Newcastle, knocking the ball down to the Welshman before he raced clear and nutmegged Tim Krul with 12 minutes left.

The 23-year-old had set Spurs on their way to victory with a fine 25-yard free-kick which dipped over the wall and beyond Krul in the fifth minute.

PA