Right winger Lennon dazzled on the flank during Spurs' victory over Brian McDermott's men at White Hart Lane, providing an assist for Emmanuel Adebayor to give the home side the lead after Pavel Pogrebnyak's opener was cancelled out by a Michael Dawson goal.

Villas-Boas feels the player has stepped up his performances to another level and will have a major role to play as the north London side chase Champions League qualification.

"He has been massive. Sometimes he leaves a little bit in the shadows, but he recognises being at another level in terms of his performances," he told Sky Sports.

"He has been tremendous for us, not only creating but scoring too."

"He is creating within himself such a winning mentality for Tottenham. It's important to have him around and for the fans to see his desire and commitment in every single game. He was a full credit to us today."

Villas-Boas praised Reading for the effort they showed, but expressed his pleasure at seeing his side battle back for the points and pick up three wins and a draw from the last four games.

"(It was an) impressive performance from the boys to come back again, (we had) so many opportunities to score, so many opportunities for us to open up our goal difference but still very, very happy for the effort," he said.

"(Reading) came here and had a go and scored a goal which was important for them. Our task was not going to be easy, and after they scored it was even more difficult.

"We've taken 10 points out of these four festive fixtures and it's important for the team."

Reading manager Brian McDermott was frustrated to lose after taking the early lead but paid tribute to Chelsea discard Villas-Boas for his fine work with the Spurs squad in just his first season in charge.

 "It was frustrating to concede an equaliser straight after scoring and if we could have had it at 1-0 at half time then it would've been a really good game," McDermott said.

"This is a really good Tottenham side that Andre has built here and not many people will come away from here taking points."