Tottenham Hotspur

Mauricio Pochettino hints at Luke Amos inclusion for start of season

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 01 August 2018

Mauricio Pochettino talks up the qualities of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luke Amos and hints that the youngster may be involved against Newcastle United.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that he is "brave" enough to throw Luke Amos into the mix for his side's Premier League opener against Newcastle United.

The 21-year-old has started all three of the Lilywhites' International Champions Cup matches and was particularly impressive in the 1-0 win over AC Milan.

With as many as nine senior stars potentially absent from Tottenham's squad to face Newcastle at St James' Park in 10 days' time, Pochettino has suggested that he is willing to turn to rookie midfielder Amos.

"Football is about energy, about desire, about respect for yourself and your teammates, being professional. Luke Amos is a good example," he told reporters after the victory in Minneapolis.

"He played three games, and he's not so young at 21. Maybe he doesn't have the Premier League experience but his performances in the three games showed it's not a problem to put him to play.

"Maybe he's going to play ahead of some senior players. I'm more than brave and if I believe in some players I go with all the consequences."

Amos has yet to feature in a senior league match for Tottenham, but has racked up 19 appearances in the English Football League with Southend United and Stevenage.