Sport

Cunningham faces Ginola once more

Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham has ear-marked Tottenham's David Ginola as a front-runner for Player of the Year…

Wed Jan 27 1999 - 00:00

Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham has ear-marked Tottenham's David Ginola as a front-runner for Player of the Year.

Wimbledon defender Cunningham has the unenviable task of marking the Frenchman once again in the League Cup semi-final, first leg clash against Spurs at White Hart Lane tonight.

It will be the third consecutive meeting between the two sides, with Ginola having stolen the headlines in the first two matches which ended in draws. The winger was accused of diving three times in the scoreless draw at White Hart Lane by Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear, but hailed by both clubs for his determination in the second after scoring a late equaliser.

"Ginola is a huge talent," Cunningham admitted. "He's an obvious choice for Player of the Year and he's got to be in contention. He's been in such fantastic form throughout the season and his contribution in making goals is just one part of his game.

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"We saw that at the weekend, Robbie Earle's goal was worthy of winning any game, but Ginola scored with a fantastic strike and he's taken the FA Cup game to a replay."

Cunningham has the required respect for his adversary, but he is sure that familiarity does not make his task any easier.

"It's obvious why Ginola is so highly regarded," he explained. "His contribution to a game over 90 minutes is huge, he roams all over the pitch and any one in close proximity of him has to try and stop him but it's not easy."

Wimbledon's Jason Euell, who has been given a new six-year contract, is set to miss out tonight after damaging an ankle late in last Saturday's game. Strikers Carl Cort, another youngster to be given a new long-term deal this week, and Efan Ekoku, back from international duty with Nigeria, are both available to take over along with Marcus Gayle, fit again after a hamstring strain.

Spurs can recall midfielders Allan Nielsen and Stephen Clemence from suspension, while Les Ferdinand, a second-half substitute on Saturday after recovering from knee trouble, challenges Chris Armstrong and Steffen Iversen for a place up front.