Robbie Keane scored one goal and made another as he inspired Tottenham to a morale-boosting victory over Coventry in the Carling Cup.

Freddie Kanoute was the grateful recipient of Keane's good work to put Spurs ahead and substitute Rohan Ricketts capped the win by netting late on.

In between, former Coventry player Keane had scored with a smart solo effort as the visitors took control.

It was just what the Londoners needed after a turbulent few days, but Glenn Hoddle's sacking was still on the supporters' minds.

Caretaker boss David Pleat may have enjoyed a win in his first match in charge but enduring Spurs' fans chants of "Glenn Hoddle's blue and white army" must have been less pleasant.

However, the performance of Jonathan Blondel, a player largely ignored by the axed Hoddle, would have given Pleat satisfaction.

As would the manner of Spurs' comfortable victory which should have been reflected by a bigger scoreline.

Gustavo Poyet, back from a wrist injury, was most guilty of some wasteful finishing.

But it did not matter as Tottenham's defence stood firm after a few shaky moments early on.

And Coventry, for all their hustle and bustle, never really looked like adding to Tottenham's gloom.