Tottenham's Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor is set to make his first start this season when the English side play Maribor in Europa League on Thursday.

According to English reports, Tottenham coach Andreas Villas-Boas intends to include the towering frontman in his starting XI against the Slovenian side.

The 28-year-old has expressed his displeasure over lack of playing time, having made just five substitute appearances this season.

Several reports suggested he could leave the White Hart Lane in January but Villas-Boas insisted he is keen to keep hold of Adebayor, revealing that the player will get his chance to play in the coming period.

"Certainly there is no interest in selling or loaning Adebayor," the Portuguese manager was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"We brought him in this season, unfortunately for him it hasn't been working out in terms of injuries.

"We have full belief in Adebayor, he is one of the greatest strikers in the world. Sooner or later he is going to be back in the squad.

"Even though a defeat against Maribor doesn't mathematically disqualify us, it is a game we have to win. We are in this competition to win it."

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