Tottenham boss Juande Ramos believes Newcastle are a club with a good squad, team and manager - and the potential for domestic success.Newcastle's focus has been on avoiding relegation since Kevin Keegan was appointed in January and they travel to White Hart Lane on Sunday to fight for another three points that would edge them closer to safety.

"We're in a much more comfortable situation than Newcastle - it's an important game for them because they need the points," said Ramos.

"They are a team with a lot of potential to be further up the table than they are. They have a good squad, a good team and a good manager.

"Things are difficult for them at the moment and they are finding it tough to come out of their situation, but they are a team of potential."

Ramos has challenged his players to motivate themselves for another game where there is little at stake for Spurs but everything for the opposition to play for.

The Carling Cup has secured a place in Europe next season and are safe from the drop, with the main incentive for players to impress Ramos as he shapes his squad for his first full campaign.

They grabbed a memorable 4-4 draw with title contenders Chelsea, then defeated a Portsmouth side chasing UEFA Cup football.

"We're hoping that people keep up the same level of performance as they have up until now," said Ramos. "Against Portsmouth the players were up for it.

"It's true that we are not playing for very important points but it's our obligation as professionals to give the best of ourselves.

"They all want to play well and I'm very happy with the performances they have been putting in."

A small incentive for the hosts is revenge for their 3-1 defeat at St James' Park earlier in the campaign when they were in freefall. Ramos has turned results around but they have not been in the top half of the league all season.

"It was very disappointing against Newcastle last time," said defender Michael Dawson. "They have a lot to play for now and we want to carry on from last week."

Dawson has been linked with a summer move to Newcastle himself, with Ramos expected to put his own stamp on his squad at the end of the season by bringing in new faces.

"There are still places to play for," added Dawson. "And there is pride. The Chelsea game was about pride."

Dawson admitted Spurs' defence need to be at their best to contain a Newcastle attack featuring Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka.

Robbie Keane, Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Bent are Ramos's options, and the ingredients are there for plenty of goals, according to assistant boss Gus Poyet.

"They play with three strikers, which is quite interesting, so it means somebody on the pitch is going to find the space to get forward. I can see a few goals," said Poyet.

"But we're playing at home and we need to get as many points as possible, so we're looking forward to the game.

"We're on a high after the last two games and now we need to keep that up. We know we're in the middle of nowhere in terms of the table, but we need to do it for the supporters."

Meanwhile, Ramos has saluted the progress of midfielder Jamie O'Hara, who has broken into the team and this week earned his first England Under-21 cap.

"He knew how to win more time on the pitch - through work and effort," said Ramos.

"I think he can become an important player and others should look at him as a fine example."

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