Everton 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0: Andre Villas-Boas stands by decision to keep Hugo Lloris on field despite goalkeeper losing consciousness

Collision with Romelu Lukaku had knocked the Frenchman out but he demanded to stay on

Hugo Lloris stays on the field during Tottenham's draw with Everton despite being having earlier lost consciousness (GETTY IMAGES)

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has stood by his decision to keep Hugo Lloris on the field after the goalkeeper lost consciousness when he collided with Everton striker Romelu Lukaku during the later stages of the goalless draw at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The 26-year-old France No 1 looked set to be replaced by Brad Friedel after the incident, which caused a lengthy delay to the match, but after pleading with his manager that he was fit to continue, he stayed on and made two important saves.

“Hugo still doesn't remember the incident with Lukaku so he lost consciousness there but he seemed assertive and determined to continue and showed great character and personality,” Villas-Boas said. “We decided to keep him on based on that.

“You see the player is focused and driven. It was a big knock but he looked composed and ready to continue on. The call always belongs to me. Brad [Friedel] was ready to come in but the person Hugo his there were enough signs for him to continue.”

Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen added: “Hugo Lloris had contact with Romelu Lukaku, but Hugo is a strong man. The doctor thinks it was better to take him off but he is a guy who thought he could help the team by staying on to give us an extra substitution.”

Tottenham captain Michael Dawson appeared to ask Lloris to leave the field after incident, but says that while the goalkeeper was “dazed”, he is feeling a lot better now.

“He took a really bad whack and I was worried when he went down and stayed down. When he got up his legs gave way but he stayed on and made two good saves,” the centre-back said.

“I lead those boys but safety is the most important thing. He was in a bad way but by the time he came around he wanted to stay on. He's a little bit dazed but he's a lot better.”