Fri 23 January 2015, 08:00
Tottenham HotspurSteve Hodge has been delighted to see the contribution of our Academy graduates this season.
Ryan Mason's performances have been rewarded with a new deal this week and he has shone this term with Harry Kane, Nabil Bentaleb, Andros Townsend and Danny Rose.
All five started in the stand-out victory against Chelsea - Harry, Danny and Andros all on target on New Year's Day - and have all been regulars as the team continues to fight on all fronts.
Former England midfielder Steve did just that as part of our team in 1986-87 and feels Academy development is key.
"I know all about the Under-21 league and it’s great that clubs like Tottenham are bringing players through," said Steve, who was at Spurs between 1986-88.
"I was here for the Forest game and Mason and Kane turned it around. I was also at Villa and Townsend, Kane turned that game, they were outstanding when they came on and they've been great this season.
"They are talented players who have had two or three seasons in men’s football, like Ryan Mason, he's been out on loan, he came on against Forest and scored a worldy and hasn't looked back.
"These players will always be at Tottenham and it’s a vital part of Tottenham and England’s future."
