Tottenham coach John McDermott picked out Brandon Austin for praise after a frenetic FA Youth Cup win.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino with head of coaching and development John McDermott during training
After a crazy game in which he conceded three goals, Brandon Austin still ended Tottenham’s FA Youth Cup win over Newcastle as a hero.
And despite his team scoring five themselves, it was Austin who was singled out for praise by head of development John McDermott after the win.
An unusual choice perhaps, but McDermott felt Austin’s performance was worthy, and credited him with a game turning save late on with the score delicately poised at 4-3.
Tottenham went on to seal a 5-3 win through a late Dylan Duncan goal, to progress to the competition’s semi final stage where they will face Chelsea.
McDermott said: “He’s been good in training, he and Alfie Whiteman are slugging it out to get the number one jersey and for both of them, that level of competition is really healthy.
“Brandon defended his box well tonight – it was quite tricky with some of the through balls, especially on the wet and slippery pitch, but I was pleased and the boys were very grateful and acknowledged his contribution in the changing room at the end.”
Spurs’ next match with Chelsea will be played over two legs, and it will be a daunting prospect, with the Blues gunning to win a fourth FA Youth Cup in a row.
They beat Tottenham at the semi final stage two years ago, at which point Kazaiah Sterling was featuring as a 16-year-old in a bit part role.
Now the striker is 18 and featuring far more prominently up front, scoring a goal and providing an assist last night, while Brandon Austin will have to be at his very best in goal if Spurs are to progress.
Tottenham’s Kazaiah Sterling in action
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