Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker has revealed his relief at playing football for the first time since mid-March.
The England international missed the Three Lions’ ill-fated World Cup campaign in Brazil due to a troublesome pelvic injury and was also absent for the final two months of Spurs’ Premier League run-in.
However, he hit the comeback trail in last night’s 3-2 triumph over MLS outfit Toronto FC, for whom ex-Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe donned the captain’s armband.
Walker said on Twitter: “Glad to finally get back on the pitch with the lads! Big step in the right direction #gladtobeback #COYS.”
His eagerly-anticipated appearance enhanced an already-entertaining contest in which defender Ben Davies made his debut after completing a moev from Swansea City.
The north London club’s £30million flop Erik Lamela finally shone for his team, netting two first-half goals to give them a comfortable lead at the interval.
Fellow misfit Roberto Soldado provided the first with a clever move, and also linked well with the Argentina international for the second.
A much-changed line-up laboured after the break and were pegged back by efforts from Daniel Lovitt and Jordan Hamilton.
However, winger Andros Townsend curled in the winner with five minutes remaining for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.