Ben Davies has revealed that words of encouragement from Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho helped him while he was recovering from a recent ankle ligament injury.

The Welshman returned to the Spurs side for their 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard, Davies said: "It's really nice to hear. It's a massive boost to confidence and it really helped me throughout my rehab time. It was tough at times: the weeks go on, you try to make it shorter but it's not always the case.

"To hear that does spur you on. I was delighted to get back out there. Some boys are injured for a long time, football moves on quick and the team goes on without you if you're not there.

"Having a manager keep you in his thoughts is really good, it gives you confidence, gives you a good target to come back. It felt good."

Following their win at the weekend Spurs moved into fifth place in the Premier League, just a point adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.