Graham fears for his rookies

George Graham says he cannot risk pitching his young players into the game against Sunderland at White Hart Lane tomorrow in case they are left demoralised by the hostile atmosphere.

With Sol Campbell, Steffen Iversen, Oyvind Leonhardsen and Steffen Freund injured, manager Graham has talented rookies Ledley King, Anthony Gardner and Alton Thelwell waiting in the wings.

But Graham said today: "I am tempted to bring them in but at the present time, especially with the hostility from the fans, it would be difficult to do that. These players should be nursed along and I don't want to put them in a red hot atmosphere. It could kill their confidence."

However, he may decide to spare defender Ramon Vega any further abuse from the crowd.

"Whoever is in the team knows that they must improve on the dreadful first-half performance in the 3-1 defeat against Birmingham in the Worthington Cup this week.

"We have to get back on track," said Graham.