Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is set to be handed an early Christmas present courtesy of the return to first team action of playmaker Luka Modric.

The Croatian ace has been sidelined for in excess of three months with a broken leg, but after proving his fitness in a reserve team encounter in midweek, the ace has been given a place on the bench for Spurs' home clash with Wolves at White Hart Lane this weekend.

He can be reasonably expected to feature in the Lillywhites' crucial clash with Manchester City in midweek, and his return is sure to be a major boost to Harry Redknapp.

Spurs haven't struggled without Modric, and have maintained their challenge to finish in the top four. But the return of the diminutive Croatian will no doubt provide them with yet another attacking option for the remainder of the campaign.

"It's good to have him back and available again. It's a bit early to start him at the moment, but he'll be involved on Saturday," said Redknapp.

"He's a great player and one you obviously miss. We're lucky Niko Kranjcar has come in for us and played so well in that position during his absence and I could see them both playing in the same team at some point.

"But we need Luka back because he opens doors, he sees a pass or makes a dribble that causes the opposition problems - he's a super player."