DIM'S SET FOR ROUGH RIDE; ANGUS' PRE-MATCH TEAM TALK.

Byline: Angus Scott

DIMITAR BERBATOV can expect a frosty reception if he makes it on to the pitch at White Hart Lane tonight.

Spurs came up with what they said was a year's worth of evidence alleging Manchester United chased the Bulgarian striker.

But their new No.9 is now red through and through and the cockerel will be more than crowing tonight - it'll be screeching until its giblets are cooked.

Berbatov's sulky show at the beginning of this season was tantamount to handing in his own transfer request.

The 27-year-old striker was never in the right mood to play for Spurs they said, making one fleeting half-hour appearance at the Riverside before sealing at pounds 30million move to Old Trafford.

In contrast on Monday night new Spurs boss Harry Redknapp received a warm welcome from the fans at Upton Park whom he served so brilliantly for seven years.

Of course he had been there three times before as visiting Pompey boss and been treated to that same reception - even though he'd cheekily walked away with all three points on each occasion.

This time it was different - he'd returned as the man in the hot seat at their bitter rivals - but still the Boleyn brethren had united in applause for 'Arry the charmer.

Lane fans won't be as generous to a want away striker who towards the end of his Tottenham time had his mind in Manchester.

He can't be knocked for wanting to play for the English and European champions, but he should have bowed out of White Hart Lane with decency, not unable to raise his game for a club that for two years paid him handsomely.

CAPTION(S):

SULKY Berbatov