*Ginola’s pig’s ear*

The prodigal son’s return was celebrated not with a fatted calf but with a pig’s ear of a game, this sterile goalless draw doing little to enhance either side’s already pencil-thin chances of qualifying for Europe.

In the absence of almost any meaningful goalmouth action, the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for the appearance as substitute of David Ginola, returning to White Hart Lane for the first time since he left Spurs for Villa last summer.

All sides of the ground rose in applause of the Frenchman who was such a favourite with Spurs’ supporters, but the fact that he appeared for just the final 10 minutes meant he had little chance of rescuing what was an archetypal end-of-season game.

Although Villa had - indeed still have - a mathematical chance of a Uefa Cup place, they did not start like a team with anything to play for, while Spurs cannot wait for the season to end.

Struck down by a rash of injuries and stuck in mid-table, all Hoddle can hope for is that his youngsters and bit-part players can push them selves a little closer to centre stage as he starts rebuilding.

Yesterday it was young defender Anthony Gardner’s turn to shine in the absence of Sol Campbell and Chris Perry, and the former Port Vale player excelled on his full home debut. Not that he had much to contend with, as Villa managed just one serious chance, when Paul Merson broke clear of the defence in the 74th minute only to have his shot well saved by Neil Sullivan, with Luke Young clearing Darius Vassell’s follow-up off the line.

Spurs also created little, their best chance coming midway through the first half when Les Ferdinand slid in on a cross from Simon Davies but diverted the ball over the bar from close range.

With eight players out, Spurs ran out of steam, and Hoddle admitted: ‘I wouldn’t mind the season closing down now. We’ve got a lot of long-term injuries, but at least this is invaluable experience for the youngsters.’

Villa’s manager John Gregory was tempted to send on Ginola earlier: ‘He has turned games for us in the last 20 minutes before, but sometimes players returning to their old clubs do not do themselves justice.’ Shame he was not given the chance.