Postecoglou says Tottenham’s win over Elfsborg underlined three-word message

Ange Postecoglou paid tribute to the Academy of Tottenham after three youth team products had achieved first goals for the club in a 3-0 win against Elfsborg that sealed their progress to the last 16 of the Europa League.

Spurs knew that a point would probably protect a highest berth and help them avoid next month's play-off phase, but Postecoglou saw two unlikely figures come from the bank and earn a precious three points.

Dane Scarlett, 20, only returned to the club of a mixed loan saying in Oxford earlier this month, but scored introduction four minutes after his second half with a nice header for his first Tottenham goal at his 18th performance.

Damola Ajayi, a fixed value for young people under 21, followed it with an excellent second six minutes of time before Mikey Moore took a brilliant third in the stopping time to reach fourth place in the competition phase for the men of Postecoglou.

However, it was not a completely positive night for Spurs, because while Micky van de Ven's comeback passed without a note, fellow center-back Radu Dragusin was forced.

But Postecoglou roasted a memorable opportunity for the club's youth arrangement and said: “It was” made tonight “in Tottenham”. It is brilliant for the club and I am sure there are academy coaches and players who will not sleep because they are pretty excited .

'We have a big week at the arrival and we have to try to manage the load of our players and try to protect them.

'We knew a bit that we should trust some young players tonight and all the way through this campaign to be honest. I thought they really got up well.

'The whole group played well, but we would need a few young boys to make an impact and not just the three goal scorers.

'We also had a few 18-year-olds who continue to continue. So it is a great evening for the club and something that the entire academy must be proud of. '

Spurs were without 11 players for this collision and Dragusin became the last concern after he hurt his knee when he landed awkward in the 61st minute.

Dragusin had occurred during the break for Van de Ven, who came through for 45 minutes at his first performance since a hamstring injury on December 8, but while the Dutch defender will be prepared in Brentford on Sunday, Postecoglou could have his player down.

“Unfortunately, Radu has hurt his knee now,” said Postecoglou.

'I have no further information, but it didn't look good because he came off, so we'll just wait, but it's disappointing.

“Micky came through well, it would always be 45 and he felt good.”

Fourth place in the competition phase means at least that Tottenham can resume their Europa League campaign in March.

One of the real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or FC Midtjylland will be the last-16 opponents of Spurs, but Postecoglou was just happy to avoid the play-off round and the prospect of two extra games next month.

He added: 'We were through the round of 16 and missed the play-off game, which gives us a few weeks to get players back.

“Hopefully by the time that the knockout rounds come, we will have more fit bodies to help the group and it is an exciting challenge for us.”

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