Exclusive: Pundit has surprise take on Dele Alli after big Spurs development in last 24 hrs
Paul Robinson has surprisingly heaped praise on Dele Alli after his latest Tottenham snub.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, the former White Hart Lane number one said Jose Mourinho is "testing" the 24-year-old's mental strength ahead of the January transfer window.
Alli was left out of the matchday squad that lost 2-0 at home to the Foxes yesterday, the 10th time he has been omitted in the Premier League this season.
The team news came as a shock with the England international having featured as a substitute in Spurs' previous two fixtures against Crystal Palace and Liverpool.
Robinson applauded Alli for performing when called upon in spite of an "extremely difficult" situation for him personally.
"Mourinho is testing him," he told Football Insider. "He is certainly testing his mentality and his mental strength.
"When he has been given an opportunity he has played well. He has taken his chances and that is all he can do.
"It is an extremely difficult position for Dele Alli because he is being left of the squad completely.
"Does he have a future under Mourinho? If this is Jose testing him, he is doing very well."
Football Insider understands that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is keen to resist offers for Alli next month.
He is adamant the attacking midfielder has a long-term future at the north London club.