Freund hails Parker attitude

Tottenham Hotspur assistant manager Steffen Freund has hailed Scott Parker's positive approach to regaining full fitness after long-term injury.

Last Updated: 05/01/13 at 14:03 Post Comment   

Scott Parker: Set for first start since Euro 2012

Scott Parker: Set for first start since Euro 2012

The 32-year-old spent most of the latter half of last year recovering from Achilles surgery and has not started a match since England's Euro 2012 quarter-final defeat to Italy in June.

However, he has made substitute appearances in each of Tottenham's last five matches.

Freund revealed the key to Parker's speedy return to fitness was requesting to play games for the club's under-21 side.

He said: "I'm really proud about Scott Parker. It is Scott's attitude. He knows he will improve with games and that makes me proud as a coach that an England international plays with enjoyment with the under-21s so that he can be back in the starting line-up."

Despite starting against Coventry, Parker knows fitness is not the only obstacle to regaining his place in the team for Premier League and European matches.

Sandro and Mousa Dembele have both been in fine form and played key roles in Tottenham's rise to third in the table, while several other central midfielders are also vying for selection.

Freund added: "Sandro and Mousa are doing a fantastic job for us - 10 points in the last four games.

"To be patient is not easy, but that shows how strong we are, especially in central midfield.

"We have a lot of players. Don't forget Tom Huddlestone, don't forget Jake Livermore, Tom Carroll - they are waiting to start, too."

Friedel

Veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel is also expected to return to the starting line-up against Coventry after being deposed as Tottenham No.1 by Hugo Lloris.

Freund said: "Brad is a fantastic professional - he is my age and still playing.

"It is good we are asked about the players not involved. They are really good players, they are fantastic professionals, they are coming in and doing extra work.

"Brad has signed a new contract and that makes me and the club really happy."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Champions League final: Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says side can bounce back

Jurgen Klopp is backing Borussia Dortmund to reach another Champions League final despite their defeat to Bayern Munich.

Champions League final: Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben relieved by Wembley win

Bayern Munich hero Arjen Robben admitted winning the UEFA Champions League buried his previous demons.

Champions League final: Mats Hummels salutes Bayern Munich after Wembley win

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels admitted Bayern Munich deserved to be crowned champions of Europe.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved