"They're both going to be a big miss, and every one of us who plays tomorrow is going to have to dig deep," said defender Nyron Nosworthy.

"Kenwyne and the captain have been big, big players for us, but Premier League clubs can't get by on just one strong first team.

"The squad will be tested tomorrow, and I think we have enough in the squad to stand up to the test."

It looked like Nosworthy's days on Wearside might be numbered when he fell out of the reckoning for starts under Steve Bruce.

But he has signed a new two-year deal and started the last two games, keeping £8m signing Anton Ferdinand on the sidelines in the process.

The 29-year-old former Gillingham defender added: "You have your ups and downs in football, and sometimes clubs start to move in a new direction.

"When that happens you have to swallow it and be professional.

"That's what I did, and I've got a new deal and been in the team again.

"Whether I'm in the team at Spurs or not, I'll continue to work hard."