Exclusive: Spurs tipped to give big role to teen when season resumes - pundit

Tottenham will have to rely on rising stars like Oliver Skipp when the Premier League season resumes.

That is according to the former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, as he claimed the club's youngsters will also play an important role this season when the fixtures are resumed.

As revealed by Football Insider last week, Mourinho is planning to hand the 19-year-old a more significant role when or if the season resumes.

The Premier League, like many leagues across Europe, is suspended due to pandemic COVID-19, with the UK currently under lockdown.

The England under-21 international has held initial talks over a new contract with his boyhood club with his current deal due to expire in 2021, Football Insider has learned.

When asked if the teenage midfielder would have a major role to play over the next 18 months, Whelan told Football Insider: "A young player coming through that will be part of the plans.

"When the Premier League starts playing three games a week for a long period of time they are going to him. That is going to be a good thing for the under-23s - they are going to get experience before their time. It would not have happened if it was not for this pandemic.

"Then next season, they are not going to have money to bolster the whole squad. If they have £140million that is probably two excellent players. Then you have to dip into your under-23s and I am all for it. It is not perfect but it is not a bad thing.

"You cannot be dismissing players like Skipp."

Skipp, who graduated from the Spurs academy, has made 8 appearances in all competitions this season.

However, his only start, away to Burnley earlier this month, resulted in the teenager being substituted at half-time.

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