Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has praised Spurs boss Harry Redknapp for keeping things simple.

The 27-year-old has made a flying start to his White Hart Lane career, scoring seven times in 12 appearances, having decided to leave Real Madrid to kick-start his career.

Van der Vaart told The Sun:"Harry is a very special man, that's why I already feel at home at Spurs. It feels like I'm back on the street.

"There are no long and boring speeches about tactics, like I was used to at Real Madrid.

"There is a clipboard in our dressing room, but Harry doesn't write anything on it. It's not that we do nothing – but it's close to that."

Meanwhile, Spurs have been boosted by the news that England striker Jermain Defoe has returned to full training well ahead of schedule.

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The 28-year-old has been sidelined since late August after suffering ankle ligament damage during the European Championship qualifier against Switzerland and had initially been thought to be facing a three-month absence.

However, he may yet be ready to feature as a substitute in this weekend's North London derby against Arsenal.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email