Tottenham Hotspur's Scott Parker has claimed that the injury that kept him out for five months has been a blessing in disguise.

The England midfielder, who was forced to miss the first part of this season due to an Achilles problem, believes that his body has benefited from the rest.

Parker told the club's official website: "I think my body needed that rest because I've played a lot of football for many years now and that was probably the longest I've been on the sidelines.

"I was out for five months, but I was in the gym every day for the best part of four months of that time, doing conditioning and strength work. I think the break has really done me good and I feel fit and sharp.

"I touch wood when I say it because football can come around and bite you on the backside, but I feel really good."

Spurs are currently fourth in the Premier League.