Davies can be Jol's Lord of the Wings

Martin Jol's interest in signing Crystal Palace winger Wayne Routledge may not have been warmly received by everyone at White Hart Lane.

For Simon Davies, who made his first start for two months in the 1-1 draw at West Brom on Saturday, Routledge's arrival would offer a direct threat to his position on the right flank.

But having recovered from a combination of injury and illness, the Wales international gave the Spurs manager a glimpse of his ability at The Hawthorns.

Jol, who could make a fresh bid for Routledge today, was impressed with Davies's contribution.

He said: "It's almost like a new right-winger signing, that is why the other ones can stay at their clubs."

Spurs are also keen on signing the Nottingham Forest duo of Michael Dawson and Andy Reid but it looks likely Davies will be given an opportunity to press his claims between now and the end of the season.

"I was happy with him [Davies] because he didn't play for a long time," said Jol.

"I wasn't reluctant to put him in the starting XI because on Thursday and Friday he looked like the old Simon Davies again. He's not 100 per cent because you can't expect that, but I'm happy he's here.

"I haven't seen him [play] to be honest but everyone told me he used to be a terrific player."

Davies was unfortunate not to mark his return to the first team with a goal in the FA Cup fourth-round tie but he was unable to direct Jermain Defoe's cross goalbound.

The England striker had earlier equalised for Spurs with a 31st-minute penalty after he was brought down by Darren Purse.

The spot-kick cancelled out Robert Earnshaw's 17th minute strike but was shrouded in controversy, with some West Brom supporters adamant Defore dived. Purse also felt the diminutive forward went to ground too easily. "I didn't think it was a penalty," said the West Brom defender.

"I should have stayed on my feet, and I'm critical of myself, but I don't think I made contact. But that's football these days."

Jol, whose side will play the replay at White Hart Lane on 12 February, offered a different perspective, insisting that football-had cleaned up its act in recent years. "I can't imagine it was a dive because in training Jermain's always standing on his feet - he's never falling down," he said.

"To be honest, 20 years ago there was so much more diving in the game because we practised it.

"But with all the cameras today I think players are much more honest because they know everybody sees it."