Walker continues comeback in Daggers outing

Kyle Walker completed 90 minutes for a Spurs XI side predominantly made up of Under-21s players in a training match at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday morning.

The right-back, who returned to action in Monday’s 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League, got further game time under his belt as he continued his recovery process following abdominal surgery earlier this year.

We fell behind after just 25 seconds of the game – an extension of a two-day training exercise our young players have enjoyed with the Daggers this week.

The response was positive from our players, however, and we proceeded to play a very good half of football.

Daniel Akindayini and Will Miller went close before Akindayini picked up the pieces after a save from Dagenham’s goalkeeper to restore parity with half an hour gone. Walker also shot narrowly over the top from long range.

The hosts came into the match more after the break, goalkeeper Luke McGee being forced to tip the ball over the bar, although substitute stopper Jonathan Miles had little to do in the closing stages as the game ended 1-1.

“For some of our younger players, this training and playing exercise represents a chance to experience what it’s like to compete against older, senior players,” said Academy Manager John McDermott, who extended his thanks to Wayne Burnett and Warren Hackett at Dagenham for hosting the event.

“It’s not quite a loan experience but it’s a taste of senior football and I think it’s essential that our players see what League football is like.

“Let’s not forget that the lads they’ve played against at Dagenham have done a lot more in the game at this moment in time than our younger boys have done. They’re senior League footballers and they command respect from our younger players.

“We’ve done something similar with our Under-18s and Manchester United and it’s been a very worthwhile exercise.”