Football: Taylor praises Huddlestone

THE ENGLAND Under-21 coach, Peter Taylor, believes Tottenham Hotspur have picked up a bargain in pounds 2.5m signing Tom Huddlestone. The teenager, who has played a major role in Derby County's midfield and also at the centre of defence, is set to make his Under-21 international debut against the Netherlands in a friendly at Pride Park tonight.

Taylor has confirmed Huddlestone - he has signed a pre-contract agreement with Spurs and joins in the summer - will play some part after impressing in training. He said: "He's a quiet boy but he says enough and he's a great talent. He can play either in the centre of midfield or in the centre of defence and in training this morning he's shown he can play both very well."

Darren Bent (calf), Michael Dawson (shin) and Gary O'Neil (groin) have all withdrawn from the squad.

Robbie Savage could miss John Toshack's first game as the new Wales manager against Hungary tomorrow with a groin problem. The Blackburn Rovers midfielder picked up the injury in the 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough at the weekend.

The Cardiff City defender Danny Gabbidon is undergoing intense treatment after suffering a hamstring injury in the Bluebirds' 1-0 defeat at West Ham United on Sunday. Ryan Giggs has a slight hamstring injury, but said: "I have done some light training and I don't think it will be any problem."