Spurs and England midfielder Scott Parker applauds team-mate Aaron Lennon's contribution

Scott Parker has praised his Spurs and England team-mate Aaron Lennon after the winger’s impressive form during the festive period.

Lennon has been one of Tottenham’s leading lights this season and has been a key contributor to the north Londoners’ climb to third in the Premier League table.

Over Christmas, the 25-year-old scored in the 2-1 win over Sunderland and set up goals for Gareth Bale, against Aston Villa, and Emmanuel Adebayor, against Reading on Tuesday.

And his displays for the White Hart Lane outfit have not gone unnoticed by England manager Roy Hodgson who recalled Lennon to the Three Lions’ squad for the friendly in Sweden, although he was forced to withdraw through injury.

Parker said of Lennon: "He was at a different level [against Reading], not just his raw pace and his threat on and around the ball but his work rate was something very special.

"I couldn't think of anything worse if I was a full-back as him running at me.

“I'm sure every full-back out there has the same feeling really, he deserves a special mention - he has been brilliant.

He continued: "The amount of times he gets to that byeline and he set up the goal. He probably could have set up another couple if it had fallen for the right people. He has certainly added that [crossing] to his game which is pleasing.

"Everyone knows what qualities we have out wide.

"Certainly Bale and 'Azzer’ [Lennon] have been top of that really. I think Gareth is a fantastic player and sometimes gets all the headlines but certainly Azzer has been key to that as well.”

Parker played the last 20 minutes against the Royals as he continues his comeback from a long-term Achilles injury. But he believes he is not too far away from full match fitness.

Parker added: "I didn't think I would be out for as long as I was to be honest, but I always thought I would get back to where I need to be and it's just about hard work now.

"My Achilles is fine. I just need to put in some game time and get some good training under my belt to get match fit."