Tottenham star Parker returns to action after surgery on his Achilles

Tottenham have been handed a major boost as midfielder Scott Parker finally returned to action following surgery on his Achilles.

The 32-year-old England international played the full 90 minutes of the reserves' 5-1 home defeat to Ipswich - his first game since picking up the injury playing for England at Euro 2012.

However, last season's Player of the Year at White Hart Lane will not be rushed back into action as Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas continues to monitor his progress.

Villas-Boas said: "We have players coming back to fitness and Scott can be so important for us. He was player of the season last year and we expect him to be one of our main strengths.

"He hasn't lost his abilities. Now we have resumed light training with him, he has been absolutely amazing."