Keane's ninth goal of the season set Spurs on their way

Goals from Robbie Keane and Pascal Chimbonda ensured Juande Ramos avoided a Carling Cup shock in his first game in charge at Tottenham.

Keane lifted the ball over Blackpool keeper Paul Rachubka from Dimitar Berbatov's flick-on after 18 minutes.

Blackpool striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher headed onto the bar after the break and then had a shot saved by Paul Robinson.

But Chimbonda headed in Steed Malbranque's corner to seal Spurs' quarter-final place on 57 minutes.

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Despite the victory, Ramos was provided with plenty of evidence as to the size of his task at White Hart Lane.

The new coach restored Robinson to the starting line-up after his calf injury but the England keeper's crisis of confidence appears to continue.

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The England international flapped unconvincingly at a Blackpool corner and then sliced a kick as he came charging out to clear a long ball.

But Robinson did at least set up the opener, providing the long ball for Berbatov to head on, leaving Keane to score his ninth goal of the season.

Simon Grayson's Championship side came out in the second-half determined to make Spurs sweat and they did.

Taylor-Fletcher was desperately unlucky with a header which smacked against the bar and then Robinson boosted his confidence with a fine save as the striker's shot headed for the top corner.

But Tottenham's second sucked the life out of the visitors and substitute Jermain Defoe almost scored with his first touch, only for Rachubka to tip over the crossbar.

"The team needs to improve in all areas, in attack and defence, but this is a team of great professionals and I hope it will improve quickly.

"They've shown great willingness to play and fought very hard."

"We gave a good account of ourselves but they took their chances.

"Full credit to Juande Ramos. He came to speak to me at the hotel."

Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, Kaboul (Tainio 56), Dawson, Lee, Lennon, Zokora, Jenas, Malbranque, Berbatov (Bent 72), Keane (Defoe 60).
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Boateng.

Booked: Kaboul, Tainio.

Goals: Keane 18, Chimbonda 58.

Blackpool: Rachubka, Barker, Michael Jackson (Coid 68), Gorkss, Crainey, Taylor-Fletcher, Flynn (Welsh 78), Fox, Hoolahan, Parker, Vernon (Morrell 69).
Subs Not Used: Jorgensen, Bean.

Att: 32,196

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).