United star thinks it could be Spurs' time

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Spurs are finally showing consistent form under Martin Jol after years of under-performance.

Dutchman Jol has Tottenham flying high in second spot following a blistering start to their league campaign - but the Londoners face a stiff test this weekend when they travel to Old Trafford to face United.

Ferdinand said: "Spurs have had a good batch of players for a number of years now but they haven't been consistent. This season they seem to have continuity, the players seem to be responding to the manager and they have some consistency there which has been lacking in the past.

"They are not spending 'Chelsea amounts' of money but they are spending good amounts on players and bringing in a lot of home-grown talent too.

"They have been threatening to become one of the big clubs and now they look as if they have the potential to do so - maybe this is their time now.

"We've got to keep tabs on Jermain Defoe, he's always a dangerous player to play against. I know from the England squad that he's one of those players who thrives on scoring and lives for goals."