The decision may spark moves by Given who earlier this week said he would discuss his future with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini next week if he finds himself on the bench today.

At the Republic of Ireland press conference on Monday ahead of their friendly with Argentina, Given made it clear he is not prepared to play second fiddle to Joe Hart this season.

Hart was outstanding during a season-long loan at Birmingham last season, to such an extent that Mancini has refused to allow the 23 -year-old to join another club on a similar basis.

Mario Balotelli, who only completed his move from Inter Milan yesterday, was not in the squad, with Carlos Tevez looking set to start up front on his own.

There were few surprises in the Spurs side, with Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch paired together in attack.

Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Modric, Huddlestone, Bale, Crouch, Defoe.

Subs: Cudicini, Kaboul, Pavlyuchenko, Keane, Palacios, Giovani, Bassong.

Man City: Hart, Richards, Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Wright-Phillips, Toure Yaya, De Jong, Barry, Silva, Tevez.

Subs: Given, Zabaleta, Adebayor, Adam Johnson, Lescott, Vieira, Jo.

Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)