The Sun

ANTONIN KINSKY’S switch to Spurs happened so fast the young goalie had to make a late dash to pick up some boots and gloves.

The ambidextrous Czech, 21, was so certain he was staying at Slavia Prague that he had arranged to receive some new mitts from his glove sponsor this past Sunday.

But after turning his phone on on Friday evening after a relaxing sauna and massage, he discovered his Tottenham transfer was on - meaning he was in need of some fresh gear.

Kinsky, whose qualities have been compared to the great Petr Cech, said: "I realised that if I was flying out on the Saturday morning, I’d need gloves and boots. I didn’t have either at home, so I started looking.

“I drove to Plzen and then to (Prague district) Eden, where I would have gone anyway to say goodbye and take one last look at the stadium.

“Now I’ve got everything I need, so I’ll pack up at home and head off."

Kinsky eventually sealed a move worth £12.5million plus add-ons, signing a six-and-a-half-year contract.

But because he is still waiting on his work permit, which could take up to 48 hours to arrive, his chances of featuring against Liverpool are viewed as unlikely.

That means Brandon Austin, who waited nearly 10 years for his first Spurs appearance against Newcastle on Saturday, is set to start the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on what will be his 26th birthday, provided Fraser Forster is still ill.

But after that, Kinsky will step in and look to make himself Ange Postecoglou’s go-to guy between the sticks.

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That is even when Guglielmo Vicario returns from a fractured foot in late February, with the Italian posting a video of himself out of his protective boot on Sunday.

Because ambitious Kinsky, nicknamed 'Toni', has not just been brought in as a back-up to Vicario, but to challenge him.

His move had been earmarked for the summer, when veteran Forster is out of contract, but got pushed forward following Vicario’s serious injury.

Kinsky is likely to be the first of a few January signings for injury-hit Spurs, who are also keen on a defender and attacker.

While Forster has struggled to play out from the back like Postecoglou wants, Kinsky’s footwork was a big attraction when he was identified by Spurs technical director Johan Lange.

His passing success rate of 83.9 per cent is better than any other goalkeeper with five appearances or more in this season’s Europa League.

Kinsky has been playing in that competition for Slavia, but due to a rule change, CAN also play in it for Spurs this term too.

The blond-haired starlet, who has perfect English, constantly listens to Czech rap and idolises late basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, was an outfield player as a kid.

But he moved in goal in a bid to follow in the footsteps of his dad, also called Antonin Kinsky who won five caps for the Czech national team and remains a huge influence on his son.

Kinsky Jnr’s 12 clean sheets in 19 league games has helped Slavia go seven points clear at the top of the Czech league.

It was his first season as Slavia’s No1, but it was back-to-back loan spells to small-town club MFK Vyskov between 2021-23 which toughened him up for first-team football.

Rostislav Horacek was Kinsky’s goalkeeping coach at Vyskov and remembers being blown away by the confident youngster’s potential after just “two or three training sessions”.

The 57-year-old said: “The guys in the pub laughed at me when I said that I had an 18-year-old boy in the second league who would one day play for the national team.

“But I was convinced of it. He has everything.

“He always looked forward to tough matches like a little kid looking forward to ice cream.”

Chelsea legend Cech is the benchmark for Czech keepers, having won 124 caps for his country in a stellar career, but Horacek sees an obvious comparison.

While he also gave an insight into the ability Kinsky - or ‘Tonda’ as he called him - has with both feet.

Horacek told Flashscore: “I asked him in training which foot he prefers, but he said it doesn’t matter. He kicks with both equally.

“At Slavia, he had a great defence in front of him. (It meant that) he often goes 40 minutes without a save and then has to quickly resolve a difficult situation.

“That is exactly what Petr Cech used to do at Chelsea. He had a strong defence in front of him, led by John Terry, but then had to show off with one or two saves. Tonda is strong in this.”

TOTTENHAM starlet Jamie Bowden has announced his retirement from professional football at just 23 years old.

The highly-rated youngster took to Instagram to reveal that he has been forced to hang up his boots following an ankle injury suffered back in 2022.

Addressing his fans and followers, Bowden wrote: "Sadly, my football playing career has come to an end.

"On August 13th 2022 I suffered an ankle injury that would ultimately ruin my interesting playing career I had ahead of me.

"Firstly, I give thanks for being able to call myself a professional football player and to score a professional goal whilst on loan at Oldham.

"I started kicking balls at such a young age and loved every moment of it. It’s just unfortunate that I was never able to fulfil my potential on the pitch.

"Since then I’ve learnt lots of new things. I’ve learnt that mental health is real and how powerful it can be.

"My love for the game is deep, that football is in my DNA and my want to help is profound. God is with us throughout.

"I want to thank the people that have stuck by me during this hard period, and the people who helped me during my playing days.

"I look forward to see where the beautiful game takes me next."

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Bowden left the Tottenham academy in July 2023 after over 15 years on the books with the north London club.

The versatile midfielder joined the Spurs setup as a six-year-old and was regularly on the cusp of breaking into the first team - making the bench in the Europa League and Premier League.

As mentioned in his statement, Bowden spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan in League Two with Oldham Athletic.

That taste of professional football saw the former Republic of Ireland youth international score his only professional goal, as well as racking up five assists.

Since Bowden's release from the Spurs academy, he has tried to revitalise his career elsewhere.

A short trial with AFC Wimbledon ended unsuccessfully, before the youngster jetted off to Europe to try and earn a spot with Spanish third tier club Deportivo de la Coruna.

Unfortunately, despite taking part in a friendly match and a number of training sessions, the decision was made not to offer him a contract.

Bowden has hinted that he may continue working in football despite making the decision to stop pursuing the dream of a playing career.

Tottenham offered support to former first team star Ryan Mason following his injury-forced retirement at just 25, with the former England international now an assistant coach under Ange Postecoglou.

Bowden's former academy teammates were quick to wish him luck in the comments of his retirement post.

TOTTENHAM have signed Czech ­keeper Antonin Kinsky for around £12million.

Kinsky — who has signed from Slavia Prague — is Ange Postecoglou’s first signing of the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old could be in contention for a debut in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Liverpool or Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at Tamworth.

He will provide cover for the injured Guglielmo Vicario and competition for Fraser Forster and Brandon Austin, who made his senior debut against Newcastle.

Due to a Uefa rule change, Kinsky will be able to play in the Europa League knockout stages even though he played for another club in the competition.

He said: “I’m really happy, it has been amazing to sign the contract. Tottenham are a big name and I’m really happy.

“I spoke with the coaches, I spoke with the sporting director and I got the feeling this is going to be the right choice.”

Hours after Kinsky’s arrival was confirmed, Spurs No 1 Vicario posted a video of himself on Instagram walking without crutches or a protective boot as he continues his recovery from a fractured ankle.

Back in November, Vicario fractured his ankle in a clash against Manchester City.

Despite that blow, boss Postecoglou revealed the Italian is doing his upmost to return to action soon.

The Aussie tactician said: "He's going well, typical of Vic, he's pushing every boundary. Obviously, he's still a fair bit away, but whatever timeline that is, he will make sure he's back as quickly as possible.

"He's still very much around the group. We saw him last night, he's also training every day.

"He's so invested in what we're doing, helping the keepers, helping the whole group.

"He's one of the leaders and, yes, he's progressing well."

While Vicario has missed eight Premier League games, veteran Forser has filled his boots.

Spurs are winless in their last four matches.

BARCELONA are reportedly chasing Son Heung-min on a free transfer.

The South Korean star is set to see his contract at Tottenham Hotspur expire at the end of the season.

Son, 32, is in the final year of his deal in North London having signed his last extension in 2021.

He is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs now the January transfer window has opened.

One club that is keen on striking a deal with the forward is Barcelona, according to Spanish publication El Nacional.

The report claims he is not the only player the club is targeting on a free transfer.

The likes of Bayern Munich pair Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane are also on the list.

Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah is also a target for Barcelona.

The Catalonian giants are looking at free transfers having struggled with financial issues in recent years.

Son is the current captain at Tottenham but has not been at his best this season.

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In the Premier League, he has only netted five times in his 17 appearances.

He was left out of the starting eleven in the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday due to fatigue.

If Barcelona were able to snap up all four than Hansi Flick's side will have added plenty of quality without breaking the bank.

However, the club would still need to find the financial room to afford their wages and signing-on fees.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have already been active in the transfer market.

The club have boosted their goalkeeping options with the arrival of Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague.

The goalkeeper has been handed the number 31 shirt and has signed a contract that will run until 2031.

THOMAS TUCHEL barely had time to take his seat here before his England hopefuls quickly showed just how much talent he has at his disposal.

Dominic Solanke gave Spurs the lead within four minutes with a brilliant header, before Anthony Gordon levelled up with a smart finish just two minutes later.

Both players will be hoping to be included when new Three Lions boss Tuchel names his first squad in March - and be a big part of his mission to end our 60-year wait for silverware at the World Cup next year.

At 29, Jacob Murphy is unlikely to be called up but even he put up a decent case with his assist here for Alexander Isak’s winner his sixth goal involvement in the last five games.

Newcastle have won all five of those to motor up the league and put them in sight of the Champions League spots.

While injury-hit Spurs, who were interested in Tuchel after Antonio Conte left, have now lost three of their last five home league games, winning none of them.

The horror run has left the North Londoners nearer the drop zone and the top four and cranked up the heat on boss Ange Postecoglou, though his absentee list has been crippling.

It was not just Solanke and Gordon on show for the baseball-cap-wearing Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry to keep an eye on from their seat up in the director’s box.

Newcastle full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, along with Gordon, started November’s 5-0 thrashing of the Republic of Ireland and started here too.

Murphy and Dan Burn, 32, have never been called up for their country but the way they are playing, and the short-term nature of Tuchel’s tenure, the German may have had them on his notes list too.

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As for Spurs, they fielded 18-year-old Archie Gray at centre-back again due to their injury crisis.

While the obvious candidate for Tuchel to consider, James Maddison, was surprisingly left on the bench.

That was despite him being suspended for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool and Postecoglou’s squad being stretched to breaking point.

Maddison, 28, had been due to start Sunday’s draw with Wolves but was put on the bench due to illness, emerging as a second-half sub,

He then went out to watch the darts at Ally Pally that night hours later, though Postecoglou on Friday said he had no issue with that, having given his tired team two days off.

A sickness bug then hit Postecoglou’s team in the week, to the point where goalkeeper Fraser Forster - another player eligible for England - missed this game altogether.

It meant Brandon Austin was handed his first-ever Spurs appearance, despite being at the club for nearly ten years and turning 26 next week.

His last senior appearance came a whopping four years ago while on loan in the MLS at Orlando City.

Livramento’s game looked like it might have been over inside the first minute after colliding into Lucas Bergvall, but he eventually picked himself up and carried on.

Spurs were in need of a fast start and they got one thanks to Solanke expertly finishing off a brilliant move.

Bergvall, the 18-year-old Swede starting ahead of Yves Bissouma, drove the ball forward and gave it to Brennan Johnson, who cut it back for Pedro Porro to swing in a cross.

Solanke managed to hold off Sven Botman - starting his first game in nine months after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury - and headed into the far corner.

The lead lasted all of two minutes though and, such has been Spurs’ season of late, it came in desperately unlucky circumstances for the hosts.

They were breaking up the pitch when a Bergvall pass struck Joelinton’s hand, diverting the ball back towards their 18-yard box, allowing Bruno Guimaraes to tee up Gordon who slotted into the corner.

Spurs protested but VAR agreed with on-pitch referee Andrew Madley that Joelinton’s hand was not in an unnatural position when the ball struck it.

Which, as tough as it was on Spurs, was probably right by the letter of the law.

Postecoglou was left incensed anyway - as were the Spurs fans when the already-booked Burn did not receive a second caution for what they felt was a deliberate handball midway through the half.

Isak has been the man of the moment of the festive period with eight goals in his last seven before this game.

He surprisingly let Spurs off the hook on 32 minutes when firing Murphy’s cutback just wide.

But lightning does not strike twice, particularly for Postecoglou’s team right now, and six minutes later the super Swede diverted in a Murphy cross which had hit Radu Dragusin along the way.

Amazingly, Spurs’ selection problems worsened as Dragusin was forced off at half-time, meaning Postecoglou was now without all FOUR of his centre-backs.

Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies were already out injured and not expected back until the end of the month.

It saw Sergio Reguilon come on and Djed Spence, presumably because he was a bit taller than the other full-backs, pushed into the middle of defence.

The results may be dismal of late for Postecoglou but his players still appear to be giving their all for him on the pitch - and that was the same in the second half here.

His knackered side pushed for a leveller, with Brennan Jonson striking the post and Maddison, who came on in the 63rd minute, whipping narrowly past the post after a short corner.

Even Reguilon looked like he might score after an attacking frenzy from Spurs but the Spaniard’s wild shot ended up going out for a throw.

Solanke had a brilliant chance to win it in ten minutes of stoppage time, but planted his header from Porro’s cross straight at Martin Dubravka.

That did not take away from a superb individual display from Spurs’ centre-forward, giving Tuchel plenty to think about as he hot-footed it down to the South Coast to take in Brighton vs Arsenal.

It could quite conceivably have been Eddie Howe sitting up in the director’s box as England boss had the Three Lions hierarchy gone for him.

He will have to settle instead with Newcastle’s red-hot form, while Postecoglou was left to stew over another defeat during this painful period which shows no signs of easing up.

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In the early kick-off, out-of-form Tottenham host Newcastle in a blockbuster tie.

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Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

As he whips another in, Solanke is the man on the end of it.

His header is easily saved by Dubravka.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

It loops up in the air and lands on the roof of the net.

That had Dubravka worried there.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

We are going to have ten minutes of added time, no one seems to know where they have got that from.

Not that the Spurs' fans are complaining, plenty more time to find that equaliser.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Howe brings off Isak and the striker cannot believe it.

As he takes his time coming off the referee shows him a yellow card.

Bournemouth starting XI:

Iraola opts to make few changes for the visit of Everton:

View from SunSport's Charlie Wyett in the capital

Ange Postecoglou gets booed for his decision to replace Lucas Bergvall with James Maddison.

Tottenham fans are happy to see Maddison on the pitch but believe Bergvall, who was playing well, should have stayed on the pitch.

It was a triple sub from the Aussie manager and he is trying to win the game but his team still look fragile at the back.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

As a corner is played short, Maddison checks onto his right foot and looks to bend one in the far corner.

It drops inches wide of the post, so close to a Spurs' goal.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Newcastle get everyone back to try and defend it.

Big chance for Tottenham to put The Magpies' goal under pressure but Livramento heads behind for a corner.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Son does well to keep the ball in and plays it back to Maddison.

His cross towards Solanke is headed clear by the visitors.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

The hosts need to throw more players forward in search of a goal.

Spence is penalised for a foul on Isak.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

As the ball is played forward, Isak is penalised for offside.

Tottenham need to take it up a gear or two now.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

A Newcastle goal would put this beyond the hosts you feel.

If Spurs score, we have a real game on our hands here.

Austin is down as he seemed to get winded coming to catch a cross.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

That challenge may put any planned modelling contracts on hold.

He returns to the game with both nostrils plugged with tissue.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Son, Maddison and Sarr are joining the action.

Sarr, Werner and Bergvall make way.

The home fans do not seem happy with the latter coming off.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

He looked to cut back onto his right foot in the box and was struck by the shoulder of Kulusevski.

There is blood everywhere and that could be a broken nose for the Newcastle man.

VAR has checked it and said no further action is it was accidental.

To be fair, having seen the replay, it seems the right decision.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Tonali weaves his way into the box and his shot is blocked.

It drops to an unmarked Gordon at the back who skies his shot over the bar.

What makes the miss even worse is that Isak was completely unmarked in the middle if he had squared it.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Sarr tries a shot from the edge of the box but Dubravka gets down to make a good save.

Johnson reacts quickest to the rebound but his effort from a tight angle strikes the post.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Kulusevski comes over to take it for Spurs.

He plays it short to Porro but the full-back's crossed is easily blocked.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Werner has been a passenger in the this game so far.

Gordon plays the ball into Hall in the box but his attempted cross is blocked by Spence.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

As a Tottenham attack breaks down, The Magpies pile forward.

Tonali tries a couple of efforts at goal but they are both blocked.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

It strikes the Newcastle defender and heads towards his own goal.

Dubravka comes to punch clear but is wiped out by Solanke and the referee awards a free-kick to the visitors.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Both him and Gray are rumoured to have been feeling under the weather before kick-off.

It means that Spence has now had to shift to centre-back.

TOTTENHAM'S fitness crisis has suffered another blow after manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed illness in the camp ahead of their clash with Newcastle.

Spurs have won just one of their last seven Premier League games and are languishing down in 11th place.

They are already without a host of players due to injury including Richarlison, Mikey Moore, Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie.

And Rodrigo Bentancur is the seventh player unavailable after being handed a one-match suspension for picking up a fifth yellow card against Wolves on Sunday.

Now even more of Postecoglou's men could be sidelined due to a sickness bug in the camp - though he has not specified which players have been affected.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, the Australian coach said: "None of the injured ones are back yet.

"We've had a bit of an illness bug around the squad so a few were missing from training but we'll be alright."

One boost for Tottenham is the return of Djed Spence for their home game against Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime.

Postecoglou has been criticised during his side's poor run of form.

And he admitted the disappointing results have had a negative impact on him.

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Following the 2-2 draw with Wolves, he said: "It hurts me because I'm responsible ultimately. I'm the person in charge. So of course, it hurts.

"When I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward and I think they deserved a reward for their efforts even though they were dipping into their reserves of energy.

"I wanted them to get a reward for their efforts. So of course, it hurts. It hurts immensely.

"At the same time, it's my responsibility for where we're at right now and it's my responsibility to try to get us out of it."

Newcastle are in superb form heading to North London having won their last five games in all competitions.

They sit fifth in the Premier League table, eight points clear of Tottenham.

DESTINY UDOGIE is set to miss the next two months with a hamstring injury.

The Italy star, 22, suffered the problem early in the second half of Tottenham’s 2-2 draw at home to Wolves on Sunday.

He was forced off in the 50th minute as Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou faced up to yet another of his first-choice back four to be crocked.

SunSport understands Udogie reckons it will be eight weeks before he is back playing 100 per cent.

But he does not require surgery, unlike last season when he was forced to go under the knife after damaging his left quad in training.

That ended up ending his season and ruling him out of the Euros in the summer.

Spurs have a hectic schedule of 12 games over the time period Udogie is likely to be missing.

Those include the North London Derby later this month, both Carabao Cup semi-final legs against Liverpool - as well as a possible banana-skin FA Cup third round tie at Tamworth.

Postecoglou already has No1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario out with a fractured ankle.

While centre-backs Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies are also injured.

Udogie’s good mate Djed Spence returns from suspension this week and will likely deputise at left-back against Newcastle on Saturday.

Postecoglou’s squad has been hit by a large quantity of hamstring injuries during the Australian’s time in charge, such as to Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Van de Ven this season.

Given that record was similar at his previous clubs, it has been mooted that the intensity the Australian wants his players to train and play at is a contributing factor.

But Udogie, who missed September’s Europa League win at Ferencvaros with another hamstring injury, is understood to think his current issue is down to bad luck.

FANS have spotted the moment Son Heung-min's South Korea team-mate Hwang Hee-chan told keeper Jose Sa which way to dive for his penalty.

Wolves shot-stopper Sa, 31, saved Son's spot kick in the 43rd minute of their 2-2 draw at Spurs on Sunday.

With the score level at 1-1 at the time of the penalty - which was awarded after Brennan Johnson was brought down - the Tottenham captain took his time before stepping up.

And as he composed himself, fans could see Wolves striker Hwang, 28, pointing for Sa to dive to his right - as Spurs defender Radu Dragusin tried to get in front of him.

But Portuguese keeper Sa took the advice and it paid off as he thwarted the South Korean, who plays with Hwang at international level.

Reacting to Hwang's gesture one fan said: "Hwang Hee-chan did Sonny DIRTY!"

While another added: "It was Hwang who told Jose Sa that Son would shoot in that direction 😂."

And a third replied: "Radu Dragusin tried his best to stop him."

Tottenham went in front just two minutes after the penalty miss through Johnson.

But Jorgen Strand Larsen's late equaliser piled more pressure on Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.

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It takes Tottenham's run to one win in seven Premier League games.

They are languishing in 11th in the table, seven points adrift of Manchester City in fifth.

But they are in the Carabao Cup semi-finals where they will play Liverpool - with the first leg taking place on January 8.

JAMES MADDISON has hit back at a fan who criticised him for attending the World Darts Championship last night.

The Tottenham star, 28, came off the bench as his side drew 2-2 with Wolves on Sunday afternoon.

After the game he headed to Alexandra Palace to take in the darts.

Alongside Brennan Johnson, who scored in Sunday's match, Maddison watched on as Peter Wright upset reigning champion Luke Humphries.

The Official PDC Instagram account posted snaps of Maddison and Johnson in attendance.

They captioned it: "From football to the darts!"

One account, named "spursynews" took exception to Maddison and Johnson's outing.

They commented: "U taking the p***? The form were in and U go to the darts?? Unacceptable."

Maddison swiftly shrugged off the criticism.

He hit back, alongside a laughing emoji: "shut up u wally."

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Maddison has been a substitute in Tottenham's last two games.

The England international replaced Johnson on 64 minutes yesterday, but could not help Spurs see out the win.

He has scored eight goals in 19 Premier League appearances this season, also laying on four assists.

Tottenham have collected just one win in their last seven games, and are winless at home in their last five in the league.

Their slump has seen them fall to 11th in the table, one point closer to the relegation zone than the top four.

After the draw with Wolves, boss Ange Postecoglou said: "It hurts me because I'm responsible ultimately. I'm the person in charge. So of course it hurts.

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"When I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward and I think today they deserved a reward for their efforts even though they were dipping into their reserves of energy, which I don't even know where they got from.

"I wanted them to get a reward for their efforts.

"It hurts immensely. At the same time it's my responsibility for where we're at right now and it's my responsibility to try to get us out of it."

Following a busy period, Spurs players have been given Monday and Tuesday off.