Glenn Hoddle would like nothing more than a debut goal from Stg£7 million new boy Robbie Keane against Fulham to fire Tottenham back to the top of the Premiership over North London rivals Arsenal tonight.
But Spurs boss Hoddle refuses to confirm that the Republic of Ireland striker Keane will start the London derby at Loftus Road.
"Robbie will be involved but I'm not prepared to say he'll definitely be in the starting line-up," said Hoddle. "After all, he's had only one full training session with us since he signed 12 days ago. He needs to bed down into our pattern of play and that takes time - although with his natural talent it comes quicker than normal."
Keane, 22, became unsettled at both his previous clubs, Leeds and Inter Milan, because he had to spend too many matches on the substitutes' bench. So he won't want to begin his Tottenham career in the same position.
The day after his White Hart Lane arrival he went off to join Ireland for their Euro 2004 qualifier against Russia in Moscow.
Veteran Spurs striker Les Ferdinand, who has already scored twice this season, and powerful Norwegian Steffen Iversen both have strong claims to be selected as skipper Teddy Sheringham's front-line partner tonight.
Keane's Irish team-mate Gary Doherty could also be considered but it is more likely the versatile former Luton player will be needed to fill in at right back for injured Mauriccio Taricco.