Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks can reach 'the top', insists former mentor Scott Parker

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Sam Long22 February 2017

Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has been backed to reach "the top" by former mentor Scott Parker.

Winks made his first-team Spurs debut in 2014 but struggled for regular time under Mauricio Pochettino last season.

However, the 21-year-old has forced his way up the pecking order this term and now has 27 senior appearances under his belt following Sunday's FA Cup victory over Fulham.

Parker featured alongside Winks during his spell at White Hart Lane and is adamant his former teammate will develop into a key figure at Spurs, having been impressed with the midfielder's performance at Craven Cottage.

"He certainly looks the part. He’s obviously in a very good team with an unbelievable manager who will give him an opportunity. He’s got every chance," Parker told Tottenham's official website.

“He’s good lad as well, gets his head down and works. I’ve no doubt he can go to the top.”

Competition for places in Tottenham's midfielder is fierce with Mousa Dembele, Victor Wanyama, Eric Dier and Winks all tussling for position.

The latter's rise has been described as "unbelievable" by Jan Vertonghen and Parker has praised Winks for forcing his way into Pochettino's long-term plans.

“It’s not easy, especially in this Spurs team. It might be a different story if you are in a bottom 10 team.

"Maybe you could understand him getting a chance but in the top four in the Premier League, for a 21-year-old to get a chance and to be playing regularly says a lot about him.

"As much as anything, it says what the manager thinks of him and what he’s done already. Full credit to him,” Parker added.

Meanwhile, Spurs host Gent in the Europa League on Thursday night and Winks will be aiming to retain his place in the starting line up.

Pochettino's men need to overturn a one-goal deficit to progress to the last-16 and Harry Kane has urged the north Londoners to make Wembley their "home".

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