NORSE BLAST FOR SPURS

NORWAY`S assistant coach, Harald Aabrekk, has revealed that he has been denied access to Tottenham`s training ground, scuppering his hopes of monitoring the form and fitness of three Euro 2000 probables.

Spurs` top scorer, Steffen Iversen, midfielder Oyvind Leonhardsen, who has been troubled by injury recently, and keeper Espen Baardsen (who may not be going to Belgium and Holland in June), are all key figures for national team coach, Nils Johan Semb.

However, the North Londoners have rejected the Norwegian FA`s request, even though they have been asked to reconsider their actions.

"We made an official inquiry to Tottenham to be allowed to attend training, but they replied that it was not possible," Aabrekk told Nettavisen.

"They said `By manager`s request`, and it is a bit strange, because I have never experienced anything similar with other English clubs. On the contrary, I have been very well taken care of in the other clubs.

"George Graham`s secretary told me the rule applied to everyone," Aabrekk continued. "No-one is allowed to watch training. Our medical staff has the same problem."

More off-the-field problems could also beset the White Hart Lane outfit. It is being claimed that Spurs will face two £1 million compensation claims, from Wycombe and Charlton respectively, after signing 14-year-olds Michael Malcolm and Owen Price.