Woodgate staying positive

Woodgate: Determined

Jonathan Woodgate insists his latest injury setback will not prevent him making a successful comeback with Tottenham.

The centre-back returned from a 16-month absence due to a worrying groin problem on Tuesday when he came off the bench to help Spurs to a 1-0 victory at AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League last-16.

Woodgate strained his left adductor muscle during that 31-minute outing and will now spend a further two weeks on the sidelines.

But the former England international is determined to beat his latest problem and win back a regular spot in the Tottenham first-team.

"Injuries are part and parcel of the game but you never give up," said Woodgate.

"A lot of people said I'd never get back but I kept fighting and the comments that I'd never get back spurred me on.

Tough

"You just have to keep going - you prove people wrong who said you wouldn't get back and you prove right those people who said you will.

"There were a lot of tough days but at the end of the day there is only you that can get on with it and can stay mentally tough and strong and wait for your chance.

"I don't give up, I never give up. There were a lot of people with different opinions that said I would never play, but I took all of that with a pinch of salt. I am determined to get fully fit, I won't let anyone say that I can't get fit."

He added: "If you want to play football again, you have to be mentally tough. There are things you have to try. I'm sure I can play a regular a part for Spurs again. Of course I can."