Michael Dawson and Jermain Defoe have issued their backing to Tom Huddlestone after the midfielder’s penalty miss against Bolton on Sunday.

With the scores at 1-1, Huddlestone had the chance to put Spurs ahead in their FA Cup fifth round tie at the Reebok, but save his penalty repelled by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Defoe has also been guilty of missing spot-kicks this season and gave his support to Huddlestone.

“Tom’s a great player and it’s not as easy as it looks. You have to forget about the miss and move on to the next game. It’s one of those things.

“It’s not easy for the player who missed and you’ll always think ‘what if’ but the bottom line is that we’re still in the FA Cup. That’s what matters.”

Michael Dawson also backed the midfielder, adding, “As I’ve always said, good or bad, we win together and lose together and the fact we didn’t win at Bolton wasn’t just down to Tom missing a penalty.

“He well probably feel like that, but it was the same when we played Leeds at home, we had plenty of chances to win the game before I gave away that penalty. That doesn’t make it any easier when you feel deep down that you’ve cost your team.

“Tom’s an unbelievable player and I’m sure he won’t let it affect him too much. I’m sure he’s had a couple of sleepless nights, just like I did after Leeds, but he’s a top-class player and he will bounce back.”