Mullery on Mason

Alan Mullery has liked what he's seen of Ryan Mason.

Our legendary former captain knows a thing or two about playing in central midfield for Spurs.

Signed by Bill Nicholson to replace the great Danny Blanchflower aged 22 in 1964, Alan went on to win the FA Cup in 1967, take over the captaincy in 1968 and lift the League Cup in 1971 and UEFA Cup in 1972 before returning to Fulham, eight and a half years and 373 appearances later.

Capped 35 times and a former England skipper, Alan is perfectly placed to run the rule over Ryan, an Academy graduate who has made his breakthrough in fine style this season.

Ryan, 23, burst onto the scene with a cracking goal against Forest in the League Cup in September.

That earned him a place in the starting line-up and a Premier League debut in the North London derby and he's now started our last six games in the Premier League.

"I've been very impressed,” said Alan. “When I look at him he’s not the biggest but he’s got all the touch, control and ability and you can see that in the matches he’s played so far.

“He doesn’t hide and that shows the hunger he's got to go out and play.

“I’d like to see him dominate even more in there with that talent, he’s is relatively young still but go out and do it, have a go.

"He’s done well and I'd love to see him maintain it for the rest of the season.”