Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker faces a battle to win over Andre Villas-Boas.

The London Evening Standard says Parker is set to return to the Tottenham squad for the first time this season against Swansea but the England midfielder will struggle to nail down a regular spot under Andre Villas-Boas.

Parker played the full 90 minutes for the club's Under-21 side against Sunderland yesterday and should be cleared for Sunday's Premier League game at White Hart Lane - the first time he has available for a top-flight match since the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa last May.

Spurs may have missed Parker's determination and positional sense in certain matches but it is understood the 32-year-old, who is in the second year of a four-year deal, is unlikely to have the status he enjoyed under Harry Redknapp.