Tottenham’s Kyle Walker-Peters has revealed he was given a message of encouragement by Jan Vertonghen after signing a new contract.
Walker-Peters, 21, won the Under-20 World Cup with England last year but has so far found it tough to establish himself as a first-team player at Spurs, starting just two Premier League matches for the club.
But Tottenham defender Vertonghen has assured the youngster, who was given a new deal earlier this year, that he is heading in the right direction.
Walker-Peters explained: “Jan sent me a great message, saying after I’d signed my contract and all my hard work throughout the season, it showed in games.
“I guess it was because of the season I’d had. I didn’t play often but when I did actually get my opportunity I did quite well.”
And Walker-Peters insists he is ready replace Danny Rose if his team-mate is sidelined.
Sours full-back Rose pulled out of England’s Nations League games with Croatia and Spain with a groin injury.
Walker-Peters played in England Under-21s’ 7-0 romp against Andorra on Thursday, which booked their spot at Euro 2019, and is now eager to make an impact at Spurs.
He said: “Hopefully it’s not too bad for Dan. If the manager at Tottenham needs me to play on the left then I’m ready to do a good job.
“The gaffer knows what he’s doing. I have faith in what he has planned for me and when he gives me my opportunities I have to continue to take them.
“Poch (Mauricio Pochettino) is good. He spoke to me at the beginning of the season which is good. He makes it quite clear that if you want to go and have a word with him, feel free to and question him.”