Tottenham No2 Gus Poyet has played down any claims that Jermain Defoe was upset with his substitution during this week's Carling Cup victory at Manchester City.

Didier Zokora's dismissal led to Defoe being substituted and the striker appeared to show dissent to the bench as he walked off. But assistant manager Poyet said: "He was upset, but not with the change because one striker had to come out."

Defoe's future at the club is already in doubt as he has only 18 months left on his contract and chairman Daniel Levy is worried he has yet to sign a new deal.