Poch gives Andros Townsend update

Mauricio Pochettino took time to instil his own methods at White Hart Lane but his work is starting to bear fruit, with Spurs unbeaten in 13 league games ahead of Saturday’s trip to West Brom.

Unity and discipline have been central to the team’s progress and Pochettino praised the attitude of Andros Townsend after the winger made a special request to play for the club’s under-21s against Middlesbrough on Monday.

Townsend was banished from the first team last month for squabbling with a fitness coach and, despite returning to the fold, remained on the bench against West Ham and Qarabag, before being left out completely against Chelsea last weekend.

“Andros was out of the squad and he asked to play in the under-21s against Middlesbrough. He asked to play,” Pochettino said.

“It is a very good thing because the player was out for many weeks. It is a very good attitude to want to play for the under-21s, to keep working hard and keep his level and physical condition.

“Has he learned his lesson? Yes. It is not an issue. He is still young he has a big future in football here or at another club. You always need to learn in football.”

Tottenham will be without midfielder Ryan Mason at the Hawthorns this weekend.

Mason sustained an ankle injury against Chelsea and is expected to be out for around two weeks.

Nabil Bentaleb (foot) and Nacer Chadli (ankle) are close to recovery but a return against Monaco in the Europa League next Thursday is more likely.

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