Harry Winks has credited his former Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Andros Townsend in helping him to make the breakthrough into the first team.
Townsend, who also came through the youth set-up at Tottenham provided first-hand experience to Winks in dealing with the step up and how to fit in with the senior players.
Winks will this evening line up against Townsend when Mauricio Pochettino’s side made the trip to Crystal Palace.
Townsend’s Spurs career came to an acrimonious end when he was banished from the first team after an argument with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner whilst warming down following the Aston Villa match at White Hart Lane in November 2015.
Crystal Palace have lost their last six Premier League games against Tottenham Hotspur, scoring just one goal across those matches and Winks will be hopeful of another victory as Spurs continue to push for a top-four finish.
The England midfielder is starting to show glimpses of his best form after a lengthy spell out injured last season.
He told the Evening Standard: “As an academy player coming through, it’s always difficult,”
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“New players being brought in ahead of you and there are existing players who are more experienced than you. It’s always nice to have someone who knows where you’re coming from, knows where you’ve been and can help you settle in.
“Andros was important for me when I was coming through the academy and getting into the first team. He was a big part of helping me settle in and integrate with the lads. He’s a great guy and I’ve got nothing but respect for him.”
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