Egyptian striker Mido is returning to Roma after an 18-month loan period at Tottenham Hotspur, the English Premier League club said today.

The 23-year-old made a big impact at Spurs with his 11 league goals in 24 games last season helping the north London club to qualify for the Uefa Cup after finishing fifth.

It was their highest league placing since 1990 and they only just missed out on a Champions League qualifying spot on the final day of the season to arch-rivals Arsenal.

Mido, who has also played for Zamalek, Gent, Ajax Amsterdam, Celta Vigo and Olympique Marseille, hit the headlines when he was banned by Egypt in February from playing for his country for six months after a touchline row with his coach at the African Nations Cup.

Tottenham also said their Irish full back Stephen Kelly, who was expected to leave the club, will stay after Spurs took up an option to extend his contract by a further year.

Kelly, who made his debut for Ireland against Chile on Wednesday, has made 43 first team appearances.

Spurs added that they have released central defenders Goran Bunjevcevic and Noureddine Naybet.