Jol plays down Ajax rumours as Europe beckons

Martin Jol wants to brush aside questions about his future at Tottenham Hotspur by winning the FA Cup. Spurs face Nottingham Forest tonight in a fifth-round replay but much of the attention building up to the tie has focused on the head coach, Jol, being linked with the vacant post at Ajax.

Martin Jol wants to brush aside questions about his future at Tottenham Hotspur by winning the FA Cup. Spurs face Nottingham Forest tonight in a fifth-round replay but much of the attention building up to the tie has focused on the head coach, Jol, being linked with the vacant post at Ajax.

The Dutchman insists he is settled at White Hart Lane - despite reports suggesting he is unhappy with the sporting director Frank Arnesen - and is looking for an FA Cup triumph to get his side into the Uefa Cup.

"It was an incredible story, especially the stuff about Frank Arnesen and me," Jol said. "We are not just working together, we are practically living together and we have just one purpose - Tottenham Hotspur.

"He's happy and I'm happy and I have no problems with the senior management either, but you will always get people looking to drive a wedge between you. Everyone knows we are working well together and there are no problems."

Spurs have flourished under Jol since the departure of Jacques Santini earlier this season and are sitting eighth in the Premiership. Although sixth place would now gain a Uefa Cup place next season, Jol believes the Cup gives his side a good chance of playing in Europe.

"I would be satisfied if we achieved something in the FA Cup or maybe if we qualified for European football," he said.

Gary Megson's team earned a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane nine days ago, and Jol believes Spurs could have finished the Championship side off if they had scored a second goal before Gareth Taylor's leveller. Jol added: "We have to score probably two goals because after one goal last time they didn't open up. It will be difficult because they won't attack us."

Andy Reid is cup-tied for the match against his former team, while Ledley King and Noureddine Naybet are doubts with groin injuries. Thimothee Atouba has recovered from a knee injury and could take over from Reid on the left side of midfield. Sean Davis is short of match fitness, and Anthony Gardner (knee) and Michael Dawson (shin) remain unavailable.

Megson will be without midfielder David Friio and striker Scott Dobie. Friio is cup-tied while Dobie is ineligible. James Perch, who has signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal, could replace Friio, while Marlon King or David Johnson could return to the attack.