Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits Aaron Lennon is running out of time to make England's World Cup squad.

It is unlikely Redknapp would throw Lennon straight into his starting XI for Saturday's trip to Manchester United, giving the player only three full games to convince Capello, who names his preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup on 16 May.

"The problem for Aaron is he has been taking one step forward and then another step back," said Redknapp. "We have to take it day by day with him. Only he knows how he's feeling but it's been good to see him back out there with us.

"He's been out before and then had to take a step backwards again but hopefully we can keep going forward this time and he'll be back sooner rather than later.

"There is not long left of the season, so hopefully he will be back to play some part."