Jermain Defoe has returned to full training after more than two months on the sidelines with a foot injury.

The Tottenham striker, who required surgery on a stress fracture to his right foot, is unlikely to feature against Newcastle this Sunday but could be in contention for the trip to Manchester United the following week.

“It's a big boost for us,” said Spurs manager Harry Redknapp today. “He was talking to the lads earlier and told them he couldn't sleep the night before because he was so excited about returning to training.

“He was up very early, just like a kid at his first day at school. He's full of enthusiasm and he's trained superbly. He's back and that's a big bonus for us. I'm sure there are a few goals left in him this season.”

Defoe returned to White Hart Lane from Portsmouth during the January transfer window and scored three goals in five appearances before he was injured in training.

Meanwhile, David Bentley staked his claim for a first-team recall by scoring twice for the reserves in a 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Bentley, who has not played for the first team since last month, volleyed the first in from 15 yards and then cracked a second from double that distance before Sanchez Watt pulled a goal back for the Gunners.

A strong Spurs line-up also featured Alan Hutton, Pascal Chimbonda, Jamie O'Hara, Gareth Bale and Fraizer Campbell.