TEAM NEWS: Bale returns to Tottenham XI for Stoke clash

23/12/2012 1:06:00 AM

The Welsh winger makes his comeback for Andre Villas-Boas' team after a hamstring problem while Michael Dawson and Scott Parker are also named in the 17-man squad

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale will make his return to first-team action against Stoke City after being sidelined since December 1 with a hamstring injury.

Spurs also welcome back defender Michael Dawson, who starts at centre-back, and midfielder Scott Parker, who is included among the substitutes.

Andre Villas-Boas continues with Hugo Lloris in goal ahead of veteran Brad Friedel while Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor are paired in attack for the north London club.

Kenwyne Jones retains his place in the Stoke team over fellow strikers Cameron Jerome and Peter Crouch after scoring in his club's clash against Everton last weekend.

Charlie Adam has returned to Scotland following the death of his father this week so Glenn Whelan starts alongside Steven N'Zonzi in midfield.

Tottenham starting XI: Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Caulker, Vertonghen; Lennon, Sandro, Dembele, Bale; Defoe, Adebayor.

Subs: Friedel, Naughton, Gallas, Livermore, Sigurdsson, Townsend, Parker.

Stoke starting XI: Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Cameron; Shotton, Whelan, Nzonzi, Etherington; Walters, Jones.

Subs: Sorensen, Upson, Palacios, Whitehead, Kightly, Jerome, Crouch.

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