Clarke backs AVB to shine with Spurs

The two men worked together under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, where Clarke was assistant manager and a young Villas-Boas was employed as an opposition scout.

Villas-Boas, like Clarke, has since gone on to become a manager in his own right.

But whereas Scotsman Clarke is just one match into his career as a boss, 34-year-old Villas-Boas has a few more miles on the clock.

Having cut his teeth at Academica and shot to prominence as head coach of an all-conquering Porto side in 2010-11, he endured an unsuccessful reign at Chelsea which saw him sacked in March after less than nine months in charge.

But the Portuguese technician was not put off English football and returned to the Premier League quickly by replacing Harry Redknapp at Tottenham this summer.

Clarke is confident the Chelsea disappointment was a blip and expects Villas-Boas to prove himself at the second time of asking.

"I know Andre well," he said.

"He's a good guy who worked really well with Jose at Chelsea. He was really young then but even then I could see he was really enthusiastic and he had a driving ambition to become a coach in the game. He's done great.

"Everybody harps on about his spell at Chelsea but before that, he had a fantastic year at Porto. So let's not forget that.

"I'm sure he'll be successful in the Premier League - hopefully not too successful this weekend - but after that, he knows he's got my best wishes.

"He's a good coach and I wish him all the best."

Villas-Boas endured a tough start as his side lost their opener 2-1 at Newcastle but he could regard his team as unlucky after a solid performance.

"It was a difficult first game for them," said Clarke.

"Newcastle at St James' Park is always a difficult place to go. I've watched the game a couple of times this week and I thought it was quite an even game.

"If anything, Tottenham probably shaded it. But circumstances went against them and they didn't get the win. But they'll be looking to start flying at home as they always have. They are a really good side at White Hart Lane."

Clarke is confident his side can head to north London and prove last weekend's 3-0 win over Liverpool was no fluke.

"I do know I've got a good group of players who are really experienced, and going to White Hart Lane won't hold any fear for them," he said.

"We'll go down there and try to be as positive as we were in the home game and obviously you have to respect the talent that Tottenham have and the way they are going to play. I'm sure they'll cause us problems during the game but I've got players who can deal with that."

Clarke hopes to have a full squad to choose from when his side travel to the capital.

He may be able to call on Graham Dorrans as the midfielder's daughter continues to make good progress as she recovers from meningitis in hospital.

The Baggies chief has no other injury concerns, with summer signing Markus Rosenberg in contention for a place in attack.