Contrary to newspaper reports, The Football League can confirm that Tottenham Hotspur player Jermaine Defoe was eligible to play in last Wednesday's Carling Cup Semi-Final against Burnley.

Defoe had not already appeared in this season's competition having only been a non-playing substitute in Portsmouth's match with Chelsea.

Additionally, there are no rules preventing a player not registered in time for the First Leg from playing in the Second Leg.

Tottenham Hotspur will play Manchester United in the Carling Cup Final at Wembley on Sunday 1st March.