Spurs were at the wrong end of the Barclays Premier League table when Ramos arrived as head coach in October but the Spaniard masterminded a Carling Cup triumph within four months.

Aside from the maligned Intertoto Cup, Newcastle's trophy drought dates back further than Spurs' had, although the focus has been avoiding relegation since Keegan was appointed in January, rather than hunting silverware.

They travel to White Hart Lane this weekend to fight for another three points to edge them towards safety.

"We're in a much more comfortable situation than Newcastle - it's an important game for them because they need the points," Ramos said.

"They are a team with a lot of potential to be further up the table than they are. They have a good squad, a good team and a good manager.

"Things are difficult for them at the moment and they are finding it tough to come out of their situation, but they are a team of potential."

Ramos has challenged his players to motivate themselves for another game where there is little at stake for Spurs but everything for the opposition to play for.

The Carling Cup has secured a place in Europe next season and are safe from the drop, with the main incentive for players to impress Ramos as he shapes his squad for his first full campaign.

They grabbed a memorable 4-4 draw with title contenders Chelsea, then defeated a Portsmouth side chasing UEFA Cup football.

"We're hoping that people keep up the same level of performance as they have up until now," Ramos said. "Against Portsmouth the players were up for it.

"It's true that we are not playing for very important points but it's our obligation as professionals to give the best of ourselves.

"They all want to play well and I'm very happy with the performances they have been putting in."

A small incentive for the hosts is revenge for their 3-1 defeat at St James' Park earlier in the campaign when they were in freefall. Ramos has turned results around but they have not been in the top half of the league all season.

"It was very disappointing against Newcastle last time," said defender Michael Dawson. "They have a lot to play for now and we want to carry on from last week."

Dawson has been linked with a summer move to Newcastle himself, with Ramos expected to put his own stamp on his squad at the end of the season by bringing in new faces.

"There are still places to play for," Dawson added. "And there is pride. The Chelsea game was about pride."

Dawson admitted Spurs' defence need to be at their best to contain a Newcastle attack featuring Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka.

Robbie Keane, Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Bent are Ramos's options, and the ingredients are there for plenty of goals, according to assistant boss Gus Poyet.

"They play with three strikers, which is quite interesting, so it means somebody on the pitch is going to find the space to get forward. I can see a few goals," Poyet said.

"But we're playing at home and we need to get as many points as possible, so we're looking forward to the game.

"We're on a high after the last two games and now we need to keep that up. We know we're in the middle of nowhere in terms of the table, but we need to do it for the supporters."

Meanwhile, Ramos has saluted the progress of midfielder Jamie O'Hara, who has broken into the team and this week earned his first England Under-21 cap.

"He knew how to win more time on the pitch - through work and effort," Ramos said.

"I think he can become an important player and others should look at him as a fine example."