Exclusive: Robinson drools over 'Unfortunate' Spurs ace who deserves to start ahead of big name

Paul Robinson heaped praise on Tottenham playmaker Giovani Lo Celso following his performance against Watford on Saturday.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O'Leary, the ex-Spurs keeper admitted that he thought the 23-year-old as well as Erik Lamela currently both deserve to start ahead of Christian Eriksen.

Lo Celso played 80 minutes of Spurs' 0-0 draw with Watford on Saturday before Jose Mourinho opted to replace him with Gedson Fernandes.

Robinson revealed that he believes Lo Celso has been unfortunate at Spurs since joining in the summer as a hip injury has seen him take a while to adapt to his new surroundings.

When asked about Lo Celso being a positive creative spark for Spurs against Watford, Robinson told Football Insider: "I like Lo Celso, I liked him when he first came in.

"I thought he was unfortunate with the hip injury, and we're now starting to see glimpses of why Spurs signed him.

"It's taken him a while to adapt because of his injury, but he's only 23-years-old.

"And he's shown in flashes when he has come off the bench, as well as when he has started games, of what he can do.

"He got taken off yesterday after 80 minutes but I think him and Lamela, I like Lamela, I think those two give Spurs a driving force at the moment.

"And I think they both deserve and warrant a starting-place over Christian Eriksen at the moment."

The Argentinian playmaker has racked up two goals in 18 appearances across all competitions this season but has only completed 90 minutes in the league on one occasion so far.

Spurs signed Lo Celso from Spanish side Real Betis on loan for the season, but Mourinho recently confirmed that the London club were likely to sign the 23-year-old on a permanent basis.

In other Tottenham news, Darren Bent raves over an ex-teammate who Spurs have made an approach over signing.