1 Tottenham keeper Carlo Cudicini

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has hailed the return of keeper Carlo Cudicini – eight months after a horrific motorbike crash looked to have ended his career.

The Italian suffered pelvic and wrist injuries in the accident in November, but has now defied those who said he would never play again.

Cudicini made his comeback for Spurs in a pre-season at Bournemouth, keeping a clean sheet in the north Londoners’ 4-0 win.

And Redknapp was delighted to see the 36-year-old back between the sticks. He said: “I’m so pleased he has recovered. It’s great to have him back.

“He looked good against Bournemouth and that’s great news for him and for us. He is ready to go.

“He’s a great professional, a terrific goalkeeper and a top guy. He has done fantasically to recover after that horrific accident.”