Davies set to make comeback at Norwich

Tottenham midfielder Simon Davies has targeted Sunday’s Barclays Premiership clash with Norwich to begin his comeback after a frustrating year of injuries.

The 24-year-old has the added incentive of Wales’ World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford next month to aim for after recovering from surgery to correct shin splints.

That was six weeks ago and Davies has enjoyed a week of light training he hopes will put him in the frame for selection this weekend.

“It has been a year since I have played free of injury. It has been difficult. Touch wood, I am pain free for the first time in a long time so I am looking to get back in the team and do well,” said Spurs’ 2002 player of the year.

Davies insisted the prospect of pulling on the Wales shirt against England remains a distant dream – his first priority is repaying Tottenham’s patience.

“I owe Tottenham a lot. Last year was a difficult year but the club has stood by me, I have got a new long-term contract and I want to repay that faith,” he told the club’s official website, www.spurs.co.uk.

“Wales will be a bonus and England will be a great game to be involved with. But all I am thinking about is getting back playing for Tottenham. Hopefully I will be back for Wales in that game with a few matches under my belt for Spurs.”

Tottenham return to action after the international break with the club still buzzing at having three players selected to start for England on Wednesday night - the first time that has happened in 17 years.

Jermain Defoe was the hero of the hour with a goal in his first full England start and he was joined in the starting XI by Spurs team-mates Paul Robinson, a late inclusion in goal, and the continually impressive Ledley King.

The last time Spurs enjoyed such a presence in the starting line-up for England was in March 1987 against Scotland, when Chris Waddle, Glenn Hoddle and Steve Hodge all played.

The rise of his three young stars into the international ranks will please Spurs boss Jacques Santini, who is otherwise attempting to mould together a new-look side.

Santini yesterday sent new signing Calum Davenport on loan to boost the England Under-21 defender’s first-team experience.

“It was important that Calum went on loan to a club where he would get first-team football to enhance his experience,” said sporting director Frank Arnesen.

“He will be able to train with us on an occasional basis. This will enable him to get to know the other lads and more about Tottenham Hotspur.”

The Tottenham centre-back ranks are well stocked after the summer signing of Noureddine Naybet to supplement the likes of Dean Richards, Ledley King and Anthony Gardner.

They will be up against a former team-mate on Sunday in Gary Doherty, who moved to Norwich earlier in the season.