Luke Amos and Kazaiah Sterling: Some insight on the two Academy starlets braced for their Spurs debuts this evening:

There was a lot of talk about which Spurs youngsters would be included in our final champions league group game at home to APOEL on Wednesday evening. I myself went on about it in some detail in my preview of the game, predicting (as well as hoping) that the likes of S.Shashoua, Edwards and Sterling would all be amongst the match day squad, for a game which from Tottenham’s perspective they can not benefit from, having already secured top spot. It turns out that two Academy starlets will be part of this evenings squad as confirmed by Pochettino at yesterday’s press conference, tenacious midfielder Luke Amos (20) and promising striker Kazaiah Sterling (19) are both braced for their first appearance for the lilywhites. Even though it’s just the two players included by Pochettino and co, I’m absolutely delighted for the pair, who I have watched progress and develop for many years at youth level, below is some of my thoughts on the two players and some insight into their styles of play and traits.

Luke Amos: Now 20 years of age, Hertfordshire born midfielder Luke Amos looks set to make play his first competitive game in a Spurs shirt. The midfielder who joined our Academy set up from Ware youth in 2006, has risen through the ranks at Hotspur Way winning many plaudits along the way. An integral part of our talented FA youth cup team of 2014/15, Amos has also appeared on two occasions for the England under 18’s team and has gone on to become a key member of the development side. A tenacious defensive midfielder by trade, Amos enjoyed a successful loan spell at league one side Southend during the second part of last season. impressing manager Phil Brown and Southend fans alike. In my many match reports of Spurs development squad games, you’ll know from my individual player reviews that I’ll often describe Amos’ performance, as incredibly tidy/efficient, or that he broke up play really well and dominated the midfield. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever seen the youngster have a bad game, he is one of the most consistent and hard working Academy performers and that will be something that Pochettino will have noted from his time at the club. Though a versatile player, Amos mainly operates as a holding midfielder, a little like former Spurs man Lesniak in many respects. Amos is an anchor man a vital clog in a Spurs side that loves to attack and go forward. The midfielder covers a ridiculous amount of ground, presses the opposition well and isn’t flashy in his play. He keeps it simple with short passes and sharp incisive movement. He is tough tackling and determined, he isn’t the kind of player that’s going to play a defence splitting pass or one that will overplay situations with a sparkling piece of skill. He is more a player in the Wanyama mould, a player who does his defensive duties impeccably so that others can do the attacking sides of the game.

I remember Spurs legend Cliff Jones was left mighty impressed after seeing Amos play in PL2 game last season. Amos has impressed in the numerous senior friendlies he has been involved in, and with his terrific attitude and determination I’m sure that he’ll impress again tonight, if called upon.

Kazaiah Sterling: After bursting on to the scene as a schoolboy back in the spring of 2015 in the FA Youth Cup, former Leyton Orient youngster Kazaiah Sterling has been touted as a hot prospect by many Spurs fans and coaches alike. A talented young striker who has represented England at youth level, Sterling is a powerful and pacy centre forward who possesses a terrific work rate and desire to make promising runs in between the defenders. He is always on the move something that Pochettino will like a lot, but what I like most about young Sterling is his clinical ability in front of goal. He likes to finish with a hard and low effort he hits them early (like Keane) he is sharp of his mark and a real threat in the air. He shows great awareness and is a player who possesses a great goal scoring record at youth level. This season his tally for goals scored stands at 10, whilst he has also chipped in with 2 assists. His cameo for the season side in Hong Kong last season saw him net his first goal for Spurs! I was already planning on writing a much longer piece on the young striker and I will do that soon, I wish both our lads the very best of luck for this evening. COYS