Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

• Nickname:Spurs
• Founded:1882
• Manager:André Villas-Boas

• Ground:White Hart Lane
• Capacity:36240

Malbranque on the mend

24 Oct 2006 - 16:07:18

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Playmaker Steed Malbranque is closing in on his Tottenham debut after making significant progress in his recovery from a hernia problem.

The Frenchman has been sidelined since undergoing surgery shortly after his deadline day move from Fulham, but has now stepped up his training regime and believes he will be able to link-up with the rest of the first-team squad next week.

Malbranque told the club's official website: "I feel good and think I can move forward and begin (full) training in the next week or ten days. It is very positive and I am confident I will be able to do it.

"I kicked the ball for the first time since my surgery this morning and felt no pain so it is looking good. I am just running with the ball and getting my touch back at the moment.

"It has been very frustrating for me. I joined a new club carrying an injury and it has been difficult because I so much want to be involved. I will come back stronger though and ready to play."