One of Tottenham Hotspur's youngsters has been handed a blow by his current loan club
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Alfie Dorrington has been shockingly left out of Aberdeen’s squad for their Europa Conference League campaign in a tough blow for the Tottenham Hotspur youngster.
The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at the Scottish top-flight side and returned to Pittodrie in July for a season-long loan at the club. He helped Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup last campaign as they beat Celtic in the final at Hampden Park.
However, manager Jimmy Thelin has opted not to include the player in his 23-man squad for the group phase of the Europa Conference League. The decision comes as a shock, with Dorrington playing in both legs of the club’s Europa League play-off defeat to FCSB.
The defeat saw them drop into the Europa Conference League. Domestically, the defender has started two of the club’s four games in all competitions this campaign.
Alfie Dorrington was eager for European nights with Aberdeen
When he re-joined the club back in July, Dorrington outlined his excitement to play in front of the Aberdeen fans - especially on European nights. He said: “I’m buzzing to be back.
“I had six months here last season, and it was the best six months of my footballing life; winning the cup, playing lots of games, gaining new experiences. As soon as I heard Aberdeen had come back in for me it was a no brainer, I just wanted to meet the team straight away.”
He added: “The fans here are amazing, the atmosphere, the belief they have in us so to get the chance to play in front of them again, especially on European nights will be so good. I can’t wait to get started.”
Spurs themselves will be disappointed that the player will not get the chance to play in Europe, as they have sent him to Aberdeen to aid his development.
Aberdeen manager comments after Alfie Dorrington
When Dorrington returned to the club, manager Jimmy Thelin said the arrival of the Tottenham player was important given his role last season and the fact that Aberdeen will have to battle on several fronts.
His decision to leave the defender out of his squad will likely raise some eyebrows from those in North London who are tracking the youngster’s progress. Thelin said back in July: “We’re pleased Alfie has returned to the club. He played an important part in the squad in the second half of the season and with the campaign ahead we will need strength in depth to be competitive across all competitions.
“Alfie settled well and made a real contribution so it’s always pleasing when a player shows a strong desire to be at the club. He recognised this is a good opportunity for him to be playing his football at a high level and in a good environment where he can continue to develop.
“We look forward to working with him again and we thank our colleagues at Tottenham Hotspur for trusting us with the next part of his career.”
Dorrington signed a new deal with Spurs back in January and has already made his debut for the club, which came when he appeared in a 5-0 Premier League win at Southampton in December 2024.
In other news, Mikey Moore has been included in Rangers’ squad for their Europa League campaign.