Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker stepped up his return from an Achilles injury by appearing for the development squad against Ipswich Town this afternoon.

The 32-year-old has not featured for club or country since England were knocked out of Euro 2012 at the quarter-final stage by Italy in the summer.

However, his appearance against Ipswich's second string earlier today has suggested that he is close to being available for selection by Spurs coach Andre Villas-Boas.

Spurs lost the encounter 5-1, with Jay Emmanuel-Thomas scoring two goals for the Tractor Boys.