Premiership: Adams ready to return

Tony Adams will hand Arsenal a boost tonight when he returns to action after over two months on the sidelines - although he admits he considered hanging up his boots early.

The former England defender has missed 10 weeks with a broken foot but will finally return for Arsene Wenger’s side when he plays for the reserves against West Brom at Underhill tonight.

Adams, who plans to retire at the end of this season said: ‘‘I’ve been out for a long time but I knew it would take this long and I’m bang on schedule. It’s been a battle because it’s been like doing another pre-season.

‘‘There have been times when I’ve been close to throwing in the towel but now I’m ready and hopefully I will be back for the Christmas games when we will need all hands to the pump.

‘‘I haven’t been the best of patients but I was desperate to get out there on the pitch.’’