Tottenham Hotspur v Charlton Athletic

CHARLTON boss Les Reed comes face to face with an old pupil when the Addicks visit Tottenham on Saturday.

Reed helped nurture Spurs and England striker Jermain Defoe from his days at Charlton’s Centre of Excellence, through the FA School of Excellence and the England youth squads.

Defoe controversially left Charlton for West Ham in October, 1999.

Reed said: "It’s always a challenge with Jermain Defoe because he was a player at this club. We know what he has to offer and he’s a dangerous striker.

"I first got to know him when he attended Charlton’s Centre of Excellence in Newham.

"I could tell then that he had what it takes to succeed with his mobility and his love of scoring goals. All the things you want from a striker."

Saturday’s match marks a first return to White Hart Lane for in-form Charlton midfielder Andy Reid who left Spurs for The Valley at the start of the season.

"I haven’t spoken to Andy about going back but I know he will be desperate to do well," added Reed, who is anxious to build on Tuesday’s 1-0 home win over Blackburn.

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