Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino called EIGHT Under-16s players to first-team training on Wednesday

MAURICIO POCHETTINO called a staggering EIGHT 16-year-old academy kids to train with Tottenham’s first team on Wednesday.

The Spurs chief, renewed for giving young players a chance to flourish, trusted them in a first-team training session ahead of the north London derby.

EPA

Although they have no chance of playing, Pochettino wanted to give the kids vital experience of training with some of the world’s best footballers.

He said: “There were eight 16-year-olds training with the first-team on Wednesday.

“When we first arrived at the club, if 17 or 18-year-olds were training with the first-team it was crazy.

“Now eight 16-year-olds training with the first team, that is fantastic.

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“They are not close to first team but it is a fantastic experience for them.”

“We have the talent, we need time to be focused and help them achieve level we want.

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“When you see academy we have a lot of talent, we need time and patience to help them achieve.”

Poch, who has brought Harry Winks through the academy and into the first team, is a big believer in English talent.

The Spurs chief is convinced they can nourish their own players and turn them into first team footballers.

He added: “We believe in English talent. The Under-17/19/21 make me believe even more in English talent and everyone realises ‘oh we have good talent in our boys’.

“Of course we can build a very good core of English players with our identity, with players coming through our academy.”

AP:Associated Press