‘I’ve no doubt he can go to the top’ - Scott Parker on Harry Winks

Scott Parker believes Harry Winks can shoot for the stars at Spurs.

The young midfielder, 21, turned in one of the best performances of his fledgling Spurs career so far as we ran out 3-0 winners against Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday. That was his 27th appearance this season.

Harry told us before the fifth round tie that former Spur Scott had passed on his experience of the game and the midfield role and was there for him any time he needed advice.

The pair ended up sharing the turf at the Cottage for just five minutes on Sunday, Scott appearing off the bench on 75 minutes before Harry was substituted on 80.

Below: Harry in action at Craven Cottage

Now 36, Scott has been a professional for 20 years in spells at Charlton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham, Spurs and now Fulham. He’s a former PFA Young Player of the Year (2004) and Football Writers Footballer of the Year (2011) who won 18 caps and captained England during his time at the Lane, 2011-13.

So safe to say, he knows a midfielder when he sees one…

“I always knew he had good quality and he played very well, I said that to him after the game, I thought he was fantastic,” said Scott.

“Technically he’s very good and he has a bit of drive about him, he can get away from opponents. He’s got that little shimmy and that can give him a yard of space. At this level, that’s what you need because the game happens so quickly.

“He certainly looks the part. He’s obviously in a very good team with an unbelievable manager who will give him an opportunity. He’s got every chance.

“He’s good lad as well, gets his head down and works. I’ve no doubt he can go to the top.”

Below: A magic moment for Harry this season - his first Spurs goal against West Ham in November  

You’ve been there - just how hard is it for a 21-year-old to break through in a Premier League team?
Scott: “It’s not easy, especially in this Spurs team! It might be a different story if you are in a bottom 10 team, maybe you could understand him getting a chance but in the top four in the Premier League, for a 21-year-old to get a chance and to be playing regularly says a lot about him. As much as anything, it says what the manager thinks of him and what he’s done already. Full credit to him.”

Harry mentioned that you’ve been there for him in terms of giving advice, without giving too much away, what have you said to him?
Scott: “Harry was a young lad when I was at Spurs and starting my coaching and when I first saw him play I thought technically, he’s very good. I just try to help him whenever I can, try to give him advice and just try to help him as much as I can.”

Below: Scott in his Spurs days celebrating a goal with Luka Modric in January, 2012  

Where are you now career-wise Scott? Is there still petrol in the tank?
Scott: “I’ll see out this season and then make a decision later on as to whether or not I’ll continue playing or finally hang up my boots. It’s one of the toughest decisions I’ll have to make but you get to that point in your career. It’s been my life, the same routine, I’ve played football all my life so it’s a tough decision and it will be an emotional one as well. It happens to all of us though. Hopefully then I’ll go onto the next step in my career.”

Could that be coaching?
Scott: “It probably will be, yes, it’s something I really enjoy.”