Jol rejects Keane's Celtic link

Robbie Keane captained Spurs against Newcastle

Martin Jol has warned Celtic off a January transfer window move for Robbie Keane after the striker inspired Tottenham to victory over Newcastle.

The Spurs boss was adamant that he would not be selling the striker, despite reported links with Celtic.

"People in London realise that Robbie Keane would be too expensive for a Scottish club," he said.

"Jokes aside, he is just as important for us as Mido and Jermain Defoe. They are all important to us."

Keane, who captained Spurs in the absence of the injured Ledley King, faces strong competiton for places at White Hart Lane.

And reports suggest that Celtic's capture of former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane would help persuade his Republic of Ireland namesake join him at the Scottish Premier League leaders.

Keane, Spurs' vice-captain, has previously also been linked with interest from Everton.

But Tottenham have a two-year option to extend his contract, which expires next summer, and look set to take it up.

Jol offered the striker a bear-hug when he was substituted with 10 minutes left, accompanied by a rousing reception from the White Hart Lane crowd.