Mauricio Pochettino: Youngsters who can't cope with pressure are not up to the level Tottenham expect

Sam Long25 October 2016

Mauricio Pochettino says young players who are unable to cope with pressure are "not at the level" required to play for Tottenham.

Pochettino's willingness to put his trust in youngsters has been a key reason behind the north Londoners' rise in recent years.

The Argentine coach has helped to develop several England internationals - including Harry Kane - and is set to give more academy prospects an opportunity to prove their worth in tonight's EFL Cup clash against Liverpool.

But the 46-year-old is adamant those who are unable to cope with intense situations - such as a fiery Anfield atmosphere - will be unlikely to succeed at Spurs.

"At Tottenham now we have a very small squad of senior players and many younger players," said Pochettino.

"If they can cope with the pressure they will be important players, like Harry Kane.

"If not it is because they are not at the level to play for Tottenham.

"It is important for a club like Tottenham, who has invested a lot of money, to create space for players with talent like Marcus Edwards, Harry Winks and Josh Onomah," he added.

In pictures: White Hart Lane development

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Standard Sport understands both Winks and Onomah will start against Jurgen Klopp's side but Edwards is sidelined with an ankle injury.

18-year-old centre back Cameron Carter-Vickers is also in line to start as Spurs go in search of a place in the quarter-finals.

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