Gardner eyes return to action

TOTTENHAM defender Anthony Gardner is eyeing a return to action next week after a month out through injury.

The 21-year-old picked up a thigh injury in the win against West Ham in September and has been forced to miss the last four games.

The former Port Vale ace admitted he has been given the all-clear to return to training, but that he does not want to come back too soon and risk further injury.

"I've started to try and get a bit of fitness back but I don't want to be breaking down with it again, so I've got to get the strength back and make sure I'm ready," said Gardner.

"It's a small tear and there was bleeding in the muscle. We've had to be cautious with it and I went to see the specialist. He has given the all-clear to start work again."

Gardner's return will be a boost to Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle as he tries to get his injury-ravaged squad back to full strength.