Ziege comeback boosts Spurs

Christian Ziege, who is still recovering from a serious thigh injury, took another step towards a first-team recall at Tottenham by playing the full 90 minutes for the reserves at Southampton.

Japanese midfielder Kazu Toda also played in the 1-1 draw.

German defender Ziege said: "The doctor is giving me the green light. He says it is normal that some muscles feel harder and tense after such a long injury break. It takes time for the body to re-adjust to being pushed to its limits but that's what I am trying at the moment."

Spurs have assured England Under-21 midfielder Rohan Ricketts they will be offering him another contract before his existing deal expires at the end of the season.