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AVB glad to have Adebayor back

Emmanuel Adebayor's failure to rush back to England was condemned by Tottenham fans © PA Photos

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Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has commended the impact of Emmanuel Adebayor in Spurs' 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday after the stiker was forced to make a quick turnaround from Togo's African Cup of Nations campaign.

Adebayor, 28, arrived back in England from South Africa 18 hours before kick off and was on hand to provide the assist for Gareth Bale's stunning winner.

Although Adebayor missed Tottenham's final training session on Friday, infuriating fans with his lack of urgency to return from international duty, Villas-Boas was pleased to have the club's only fit striker on hand.

"Yes, (we sent a jet to get him)," he said. "He arrived in Luton yesterday around 6 o'clock and then joined the team at the hotel.

"It was obviously good to have him. He helped the team the result so it is good to get him back. It's very difficult. First he was authorised to come back on Friday.

"Some issues arose that have put that comeback in jeopardy, but he still was in time to come back and make an impact from the bench."

After comparing Bale to Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in the week, Villas-Boas continued his glowing praise of the Welsh winger, insisting Premier League defenders are finding him almost impossible to contain.

"He's on a par with the best players in the world," Villas-Boas said. "He has really helped the team with his goals this year. The player is getting the best out his great individual season by scoring and obviously he has a great motivation and I think he is enjoying playing.

"Ronaldo plays more on the left and comes in on his left foot, with Gareth we've tried to use him on the right a couple of times and through the middle.

"When he plays down the middle it gives him so much freedom, so many options he is able to enjoy it. It doesn't mean we will always stick with that position but I think he is such a good player he is able to play in different roles and positions."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.