Unused Tottenham Star Receives More Support

French international Mickaël Landreau has spoken out in support of compatriot and fellow goal keeper Hugo Lloris. The captain of the French national team and a former Olympique Lyon star, Lloris moved to Tottenham, for £12m, on deadline day in the summer transfer period.

However, since his arrival, Lloris has served only as back-up to Spurs' present No 1, American Brad Friedel. Spurs coach Andre Villas-Boas has complicated matters by publicly declaring the 25 year old would remain second fiddle to Friedel. The controversy grew to include former Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, also a French international and the coach of the national team, Didier Deschamps.

"In the short term, I can understand the debate, but I do not find it particularly worrying for Hugo. It will evolve. Already there is the Europa League - so it does not mean he does not play. The Europa League games are quite interesting," Landreau, who plays for Ligue 1 side Lille, explained, adding, "He continues to play for France, and he was outstanding in the last two matches. His Europa League involvement may just be the start for him."

Lloris faces strict competition from Friedel, who presently holds the record for most consecutive Premier League games played... at 319 and counting. The Frenchman only ade his debut during the opening game of the season's Europa League group stages and helped his team to a 0-0 draw. However, Friedel was back in goal a few days later, when Spurs hosted and beat QPR 2-1. Lloris is likely, as pressure on AVB builds, to play again mid-week, when Spurs travel to play Carlisle United in a League Cup game.

To his credit, Lloris has publicly, at least, declared his intention to remain with the club and fight for a first team spot.

"It is too early to reply to this type of question. Today, I have a status - I have the France captain's armband. It is a mark of trust and respect. There are a lot of things for me to prove over there. I am going to strive for success," he explained, adding, "I am going to discover another world, another championship and another mentality. I am going to get to know my new team-mates and staff, and I am going to work as well as I can."