WANDERERS manager Sam Allardyce stressed the importance of the vital Reebok Premiership clash with West Ham as he prepared his depleted squad for tonight's FA Cup fourth round clash at Spurs.

It looks like he could be without defender Simon Charlton as well as Paul Warhurst, Bruno N'Gotty and Per Frandsen at White Hart Lane.

"We have a bit of a doubt over Simon Charlton but otherwise we'll be taking the same squad who travelled up to St James' Park down to White Hart Lane," said the boss who added that his hands are tied in terms of team selection due to the injury problems.

"I will not be making changes to the side because unfortunately I have not got the players to rest.

"We are basically going to keep the small squad we have together and make sure we are focused on a big week which is Tottenham away and West Ham at the Reebok on Saturday.

"We will also make sure they get plenty of rest and enough time to recuperate for both games."

Allardyce also believes Spurs' defeat at Derby on Saturday could have a spin-off for his side, adding: "Spurs' defeat will be a bit of a bonus for us but my players' confidence comes from their own performance on Saturday.

"We were bitterly disappointed we lost to Newcastle but the overall performance there underlines the confidence they will have."