Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has told striker Emmanuel Adebayor that he needs to wait for his chance.

The 29-year-old has failed to secure a regular place in the North London outfit's first team this season, with Roberto Soldado and Jermain Defoe preferred ahead of the Togolese player.

"Obviously every player counts for us," FourFourTwo quotes Adebayor as saying. "We have Defoe on eight goals, Soldado on six.

"Sometimes we start with a 4-4-2 [formation], then that can change to a 4-2-3-1 with one striker up front, so there is competition for places and you have to try and break your way into the team.

"No matter how hard you try the others are trying just as hard as you. So you have to be patient and wait for your opportunity whenever it arises. I think that is the nature of any top club in the country."

Spurs are currently fourth in the Premier League table.