Spurs Striker Revels in AVB Sacking

Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor is rejoicing amid the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas after marking his first Premier League start of the season with two goals against Southampton to help kick-start Tim Sherwood's tenure at White Hart Lane.

The Togo forward volleyed home an equaliser from Roberto Soldado's cross before reacting in clinical fashion in the second half to net the eventual winner in a 3-2 success for Spurs.

Adebayor was frozen out of the Tottenham attack and banished to train with the club's Under-21 side during Villas-Boas' tenure in charge and the 29 year old is now revelling in the Portuguese manager's departure and his new lease of life at White Hart Lane.

"It was difficult," said Adebayor. "When I come to train and see the team picture, which I'm not involved in, that shows me a lot of disrespect. I'm a professional footballer, I had to keep my head up and I did what they asked me to do.

"They asked me to train with the reserves, which I did with pleasure, and they asked me to train on my own, which I did with pleasure.

"So now everything is paying off. I kept doing my thing and this is my glory time. I'm very happy."

The ex-Arsenal and Manchester City forward marked his return to the Tottenham first team with a goal in the defeat to West Ham United in mid-week, his first strike since May.

He now appears set to lead the Tottenham attack alongside Roberto Soldado who despite firing a blank against Saints looked re-born with a strike-partner to play alongside.

"I thank the players and the staff," Adebayor added. "They have given me my confidence back and they said 'we know how good you are'. I didn't want to let them or the fans that believe in me down.

"It was a huge win for the team and for our confidence. The press wrote us off, but we showed character, personality and team spirit."