Parker back on Tottenham track

Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has returned to light training as he steps up his comeback from an Achilles injury.

The England international has not played since the quarter-final defeat to Italy on penalties at Euro 2012 and his return will boost a Spurs side who have slipped to eighth in the table.

The news will come as welcome to manager Andre Villas-Boas, who remains without Moussa Dembele as the central midfielder continues to struggle with a hip injury.

“Scott’s having his first training sessions and we’re now looking to build-up his fitness levels,” Villas-Boas told the club’s official website.

“Not only that, it’s important for a player who has been out to get a feel for his team-mates again, to stop training individually and get together with the group.

“We’ll build-up his fitness and then we can look at the options for him.”

The 32-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season at White Hart Lane last term, quickly becoming an integral part of former manager Harry Redknapp’s first-team plans as Tottenham finished fourth.