Tottenham Hotspur's Michael Dawson in contention for return at Stoke City

Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has revealed that captain Michael Dawson could return to the side for Saturday's Premier League trip to Stoke City.

The 30-year-old defender has missed Spurs' last three games with a hamstring injury which was first picked up in the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea in March, and then aggravated during a substitute appearances against Liverpool.

Sherwood could be ready to test Dawson's fitness again after indicating that he will be in the squad for the visit to the Britannia Stadium, with Vlad Chiriches and Zeki Fryers also vying to start in defence.

"Michael has made good progress and will be in the squad," Sherwood told the club's official website.

Dawson, who is the longest-serving player at White Hart Lane having signed from Nottingham Forest in 2005, has made 28 Premier League starts for Spurs this season, more than any other outfield player.