Redknapp could be back for Villa

Harry Redknapp is "optimistic" of returning to the Tottenham dug out for Monday's Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa at White Hart Lane.

Assistant manager Joe Jordan revealed on Thursday that the Spurs boss is close to completing his recovery from the heart procedure he underwent last month.

"There's a possibility Harry will be back for the Villa game. He's very keen and optimistic of that happening," said Jordan.

Redknapp underwent an operation on a minor blockage in one of his arteries two weeks ago and has been recovering since.

Jordan, who watched Spurs' tense 3-1 victory over Fulham from home, insists the 64-year-old will resume control of all team duties if he does make his comeback against Villa.

"Hopefully he'll be back soon. It will depend on his conversation with the medical people who are giving him advice," said Jordan.

"He's feeling good and sounds good. I'd think there's a possibility he'd be back for the Villa game and maybe he'll pop in during the lead up to that game.

"If he comes to the game he'll be on the bench (as opposed to the stands). The experience in our last game against Fulham...I don't think it will have been too easy to watch the last 20 minutes on TV.

"If he's at the stadium why wouldn't he be on the bench making decisions and being involved?

"Against Fulham it would have been torture watching the game and not making substitutions or decisions. He will have suffered a lot more."