Lennon makes timely Spurs return

Harry Redknapp and Sir Alex FergusonTottenham winger Aaron Lennon is set to hand England coach Fabio Capello a boost ahead of the World Cup after returning to the Spurs squad for the final Premier League games of the season (Three Lions 5/2 Top European Team in South Africa).

Capello has seen his options down the right side of midfield cut by former captain David Beckham’s Achilles injury which has ruled him out of the finals in South Africa in a playing capacity.

Lennon has not featured for his club since December because of a groin injury but he is back in training and White Hart Lane chief Harry Redknapp has confirmed the former Leeds United youngster will make the bench at Manchester United on Saturday (United 4/9, draw 16/5, Spurs 11/2).

He said: “He (Lennon) is a top player. He won’t start but could be available if we need him for 20 minutes.”

Spurs currently occupy the final Champions League place and know a win will pile the pressure on fifth-placed Manchester City who kick off at teatime on Saturday at Arsenal.

But Redknapp will know he is in for a tough game given the fact United (11/8 Outright) need the points to overhaul Chelsea (4/7f) in the title race.

The Blues do not play until Sunday – at home against Stoke – by which time the Red Devils could be two points clear.

Spurs did United a favour last weekend by beating Chelsea 2-1 but a week in football is a long time and that will be forgotten when the two sides clash at Old Trafford.

Famously, Sir Alex Ferguson once referred to this stage of the season as “squeaky bum time” and the Scot concedes it takes a toll on managers at both ends of the table.

He remarked: “I don’t think the next few weeks keeps you healthy.

“It is not good for you but it is there. You have to accept there is pressure in life. I can deal with it.”

Ferguson added: “We just have to concentrate on our own job. If we do that we can let Chelsea deal with their situation.

“After tomorrow there are only two games left so games become paramount in terms of where you are in the league.

“We have to win. The players are aware of that.”

Ferguson has versatile defender Wes Brown back after a broken foot but Owen Hargreaves’ long-awaited comeback from knee surgery has been put on ice because of a calf strain.

Spurs are still without the Croatian duo of Nico Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka because of ankle problems but midfielder Jermaine Jenas has shaken off illness and Ledley King is also in the running as well.

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