Parker isn’t guaranteed a starting spot (Video)

It’s news that any Tottenham Hotspur fan will welcome – that of Scott Parker’s imminent return to first-team duties. The England international hasn’t played since April after suffering an Achilles problem that has kept him sidelined up until recently.

The 32-year-old has been in light training for the best part of two weeks as he looks to finally make his long awaited comeback and successfully came through a 90 minute behind closed door friendly against Ipswich Town on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, while his return will be welcomed by head coach Andre Villas-Boas, there is no guarantee that Parker will step straight back into first-team action instantaneously.  Spurs’ Portuguese tactician insisted that he will ease him back into duties, but even then it would be wrong to fast track him into the starting XI.

While the Achilles problem could flare up again, breaking up the current partnership of Sandro and Mousa Dembele could prove detrimental to the team. The duo have formed an exceptional partnership in the middle of the park, with the former often covering while the latter pushes forward.

While Parker played an important role to the club last season – his no nonsense, all action displays freeing up Luka Modric to really damage the opposition – when a winning formula has been established, it could do more damage than good to the club.

Seeing the former Newcastle and West Ham United midfielder back in training is excellent for both club and country, with his tenacity often missing from the starting XI against the likes of Norwich City and Wigan Athletic. But, rushing him back from injury and dropping either Sandro or Dembele in favour of the England star wouldn’t be the right approach from Villas-Boas. 

Follow @BenMcAleer1

Comments

[kranky]

What a rubbish piece of writing. AVB doesn't need your amature advice on who to play or how to play them. Sandro and Dembele have formed an exceptional partnership in the middle of the park, with the former often covering while the latter pushes forward. No shit. Dembele and Sandro have not played one full game between them since Dembele came back. Parker is the most important player in this Tottenham squad and you will see this when he starts knitting the defence midfield and attack into a proper attacking team, able to defend without panicing. He leads by example and offers so much to AVB that he will be more able now to plan the demolition of the 'Big Four'. As far as playing for his country is concerned, it was playing for his country that has had him out until now as he shouldn't have been playing for England last summer when he was missing every other game for his club and having injections to play for England. I for one hopes his England days are over.

[TSNFootballer]

Blimey Kranky, I see why you use that as your name. Sadly though your point is terrible.

It's clear that Sandro and Dembele are creating an excellent partnership. You say that they haven't played together for 90 minutes since he came back. He's only been back for 2 matches, and played 88 and 84 minutes in both while Sandro played the full 90 so your argument is just plain wrong and quite embarrassing. Honestly mate, everything you've said makes it clear that you haven't been watching at all yet you have the nerve to rubbish an article that has a valid point.