Lennon ´has had a wonderful year´- Villas-Boas

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has lauded Aaron Lennon for his contribution to the side this season.

Lennon has been largely overshadowed by the performances of team-mate Gareth Bale, who is strongly tipped to the win the PFA Player of the Season award.

But Villas-Boas was keen to emphasise the role Lennon has played in Tottenham’s battle for fourth place and their UEFA Europa League campaign.

“He has had a wonderful year,” Villas-Boas said.

“He has scored in some wonderful games, is a player that helps offensively and defensively, he has responsibility and he has had a couple of games as a captain which is also important for him.

“He has been great throughout despite a couple of injuries.”

The Portuguese is also happy at Lennon’s improvements on the pitch this season. Often criticised for his delivery, the England international has provided 42 crosses and seven assists for his team-mates this season.

“I think he has developed his game,” added Villas-Boas.

“He has developed his diagonal balls, his passing, his crossing, and we’ve seen him finishing situations more often this season. That comes through training.”

Tottenham face a trip to Wigan on Saturday and victory would propel them into third position with Arsenal and Chelsea not due to play their fixtures until Sunday.

The match follows a terrific comeback against Manchester City at White Hart Lane last Sunday and Villas-Boas is keen to build on the momentum generated from that result.

“We fought very, very hard against City. It was a game we needed to win to keep us in the battle,” he added.

“It gave us a tremendous boost of confidence. To transfer it to the Wigan game is our objective.

“The opponent is completely different, they are involved in a different battle and only if we are able to transfer that motivation will we be able to get the three points.

“I think probably out of these remaining games the Wigan game could be the decisive factor for our run in.”