Tottenham Hotspur defender Steven Caulker has thanked Andre Villas-Boas for handing him the chance to impress this season.

The 20-year-old has become a key member of the Spurs side this season after spending the last campaign on loan at Swansea City.

"You want to know that if you are playing well and you are training well you will be in the team. It's not nice when there are favourites, I think the manager has brought that into the team and I am happy," he told reporters.

"When I came back he said I was in his plans, so I have to trust that and be patient and so far it has worked well."

Spurs currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.