Daily Express

On a night when Tottenham were in dire need of leadership against Newcastle, Pedro Porro demonstrated exactly why Thomas Frank entrusted him with the captain's armband. The Spaniard consistently defended Spurs' position with referee Chris Kavanagh following a series of contentious officiating decisions. Tottenham occasionally allowed their emotions to overwhelm them at St James' Park, but Porro guided his team-mates away from the officials.

At the final whistle, the dynamic right-back once again proved his understanding of what it means to be part of Tottenham. Approximately 5,000 fans undertook the strenuous 564-mile round trip and maintained high spirits throughout the evening despite the team's lack of attacking prowess. Some would have driven, others would have paid for train or coach travel, but one thing is certain: it's a massive effort to traverse the length of the country on a weeknight following back-to-back away games in Monaco and Everton.

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The least the Tottenham players could do was show their gratitude after the final whistle, but Randal Kolo Muani and Djed Spence prematurely headed for the tunnel.

Yes, it was a frustrating night, and perhaps they were on auto-pilot, but that will provide no excuse for the fans who spent their hard-earned money to support their team.

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Porro immediately spotted the duo heading towards the tunnel and yelled at them, gesturing for them to return to the group.

Given that St James' Park was far from silent, especially after a midweek victory, and with the stadium announcer also broadcasting over the loudspeaker, it gives an idea of how loudly Porro must have shouted.

Kolo Muani and Spence did eventually amble back and applaud the travelling fans alongside their teammates.

While it may seem like a minor gesture, it carries significant meaning for supporters. Expressing gratitude only takes a moment but can make a big difference, particularly following a loss.

Tottenham must ensure they keep their fanbase engaged, as despite their current success in the Premier League, Thomas Frank's team continues to show inconsistency across all competitions.

It's safe to say that Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario would never allow anyone to leave the pitch without acknowledging the fans.

So, credit to Porro for stepping in to uphold dressing room standards on Tyneside.

Newcastle United once again proved too strong for Tottenham at St James' Park to maintain their march towards Wembley. On an evening when Magpies icon Andy Cole slammed Spurs players as 'schoolboys' for losing focus during a crucial corner kick that led to Fabian Schar's opening goal, Xavi Simons chased the match officials at the interval and bellowed: "Wake up".

Cole had been left stunned that Tottenham switched off as Djed Spence stopped to tie his bootlace before failing to regain his position swiftly enough. However, defending champions Newcastle remained sharp and focused as they secured a well-deserved victory. Schar opened the scoring on 24 minutes with a powerful header to give the Magpies an early advantage.

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Following the breakthrough, Thomas Frank protested angrily to fourth official Dean Whitestone, suggesting that Djed Spence wasn't prepared for the corner to be taken as he was tying his bootlace in the corner.

Nevertheless, the goal was allowed to stand, and whilst Schar kept his focus perfectly on the ball, Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky failed to close down the effort as it found the bottom corner.

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The visitors were furious with the officials as the teams departed for the interval, with Xavi Simons screaming "wake up" at Whitestone whilst heading down the tunnel.

Newcastle doubled their lead after the break as Joe Willock's cross found Nick Woltemade, who coolly headed home at the Gallowgate End.

Frank was pleased with Tottenham's display in spite of their defeat, with the Dane describing it as a game of fine margins.

"I think it was a very even game," he said after the final whistle. "I think it was small margins that decided it. I think our performance was good.

"I think the way we played the game, especially how we built it from behind, phase one, especially phase two, I think we controlled the game much more.

"I think we had some short connections in the middle of the pitch. I think we found Lucas [Bergvall] and Xavi in good positions.

"So I think it was one of our better offensive performances for the season. You could say it was not like we created five hundred percent chances, but we created some really big chances."

Archie Gray is set for a spell on the sidelines, becoming the latest casualty in a growing injury list for Tottenham boss Thomas Frank. The 19-year-old former Leeds midfielder was fancied to start in Wednesday night's Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle at St James' Park. However, it has emerged that the versatile youngster has sustained an injury in training and will be absent from the match.

While there has been no official confirmation regarding the severity of the issue, reports suggest that the highly-rated player could face around a month out after injuring his calf. This comes as a significant setback for Gray, who had the opportunity to start in his preferred midfield position on Wednesday night. He demonstrated his adaptability last season under Ange Postecoglou, playing in defence, and Frank has also capitalised on his versatility.

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Frank now finds himself down by 10 first-team players. Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke are all currently sidelined for Spurs.

Despite the injury woes, Frank remains ambitious about Tottenham's prospects in the Carabao Cup this season, although he questioned why the semi-finals were still two-legged.

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Spurs, eager to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet following their Europa League triumph in May under Frank's predecessor Postecoglou, travel to holders Newcastle for the fourth round on Wednesday.

Frank has suggested a shake-up of domestic competitions due to an increasingly packed football calendar. He pointed out that Spurs have already played 15 matches this season, following a gruelling 60-match campaign in 2024-25.

"By the way, one thing I've been thinking about is that there should only be one semi-final," Frank proposed.

"I think two reasons. For the smaller clubs, if you want to beat a bigger club, it's much easier to play only one game, so we really want someone to break out and it's not the same boring same teams winning – of course except from Spurs!"

"Then we need to skip one semi-final for everyone else that plays so many games. It should only be one.

"If it's about money, then someone needs to fix it. If it's Premier League paying money to EFL (English Football League), because as far as I understand it, it's because of that. So someone has to fix it. It should be very, very easy."

Newcastle are embarking on a crucial stage of their season, with three matches in just seven days that could significantly influence their campaign. Eddie Howe's squad will face Tottenham in Wednesday's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie, as the Magpies aim to defend their title and secure a spot in the quarter-finals on home turf.

This is followed by a Premier League trip to struggling West Ham, a match Newcastle must strive to win if they hope to reignite their pursuit for a top-five position after a mixed start to their league campaign. Then it's back to St James' Park to take on Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League, presenting a massive opportunity to make significant progress towards securing at least a play-off stage spot.

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With injuries to contend with, Howe faces the challenge of how best to manage his team over the coming week, with rotation likely in key positions. The importance of the Carabao Cup to Newcastle, following last March's scenes at Wembley, is undeniable, and United won't surrender the trophy without a struggle.

Howe has options when it comes to making changes, but who should be in the starting line-up and who should be benched?

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Here's what Chronicle Live writers think.

Lee Ryder

In my opinion, this game holds more significance than the weekend trip to West Ham - despite Newcastle's less than convincing Premier League standing.

That's why I wouldn't make too many changes against Tottenham Hotspur and would keep rotation to a minimum. Despite their injury problems, Spurs demonstrated at Everton that they can still deliver a strong performance.

I also believe Thomas Frank will be looking at the Carabao Cup in the same way Eddie Howe has over the past three seasons. In short, this is their best opportunity to win a trophy this season, and the same could be said for Newcastle.

It might be tempting to shake things up and make numerous changes, as well as keeping some stars away from Howe's office door. However, I would approach this as if it were a Premier League or Champions League match in terms of team selection.

We can discuss the need for players to rest and take a breather all day, but over the years, I've rarely known professional players who are happy to be left out of the squad, even for the Carabao Cup. As Bruno has shown recently, those who want to win enough will dig deep.

Players like Kieran Trippier, Bruno, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, and Dan Burn are all needed against Frank's team. The only unexpected selection I would make is giving Anthony Elanga a full 90 minutes to build his fitness and confidence.

My NUFC XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Joelinton, Bruno, Tonali, Gordon, Elanga, Woltemade.

Sean McCormick

Eddie Howe is keen to make a serious impact in the Carabao Cup. His track record in the competition over three seasons at Newcastle includes reaching the finals, exiting in the quarter-finals on penalties, and emerging as winners.

However, with Newcastle also vying in the Premier League and Champions League, he recognises the necessity of rotating his squad. If he genuinely believes that competition for places within his team has intensified, he should not hesitate to alter his line-up, especially with two Premier League away games and a Champions League face-off against Athletic Bilbao looming.

Considering this, summer recruit Aaron Ramsdale could use some game time, given Nick Pope's outstanding performance this season. This seems like an opportune moment to switch goalkeepers.

Injuries to Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall limit the options for defensive changes, but it would be logical for Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar to step in. It's uncertain who they will replace, but whichever two players are chosen from Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn to start, I suspect the other two might substitute them at some point during the match.

Sandro Tonali, who missed the last two matches due to illness, should start the game to underscore Howe's commitment to the competition. He should take Bruno Guimaraes' place, with Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey replacing Lewis Miley and Joelinton.

Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon have been the starting wingers in the last two matches, making it an opportune moment for Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes to step in.

Nick Woltemade could do with a rest up front, while Will Osula has earned his chance to lead the line following his impressive performance off the bench in the victory over Fulham.

My NUFC XI: Ramsdale; Krafth, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Tonali, Ramsey; Elanga, Barnes; Osula.

Stuart Jamieson

Eddie Howe faces a challenging task tonight as he considers the advantages and disadvantages of altering his team. Perhaps the simplest decision is to bring Sandro Tonali back into the starting XI after recovering from illness.

Tonali's presence is crucial, particularly if Howe decides to give Bruno Guimaraes a breather.

Kieran Trippier is due a rest, so I'm opting for Emil Krafth at right-back, and while Sven Botman is fine after his head injury, there's no need to risk him with Fabian Schar ready to fill in.

It's difficult to see how Dan Burn gets a break while Lewis Hall is still not fit to return, but I would make four changes further forward. Jacob Ramsey needs a start in midfield and this is the perfect opportunity, while the entire front line could rotate.

Will Osula and Anthony Elanga made a difference when they came on against Fulham, while Harvey Barnes' brace against Benfica means he's earned a start to give Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade a break.

My NUFC XI: Ramdale, Krafth, Schar, Thiaw, Burn, Tonali, Joelinton, Ramsey, Elanga, Barnes, Osula.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to face with Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, as manager Thomas Frank aims to steer his team back to winning ways. Spurs squandered an opportunity to climb to second in the Premier League on Sunday, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This marks their second loss in the league since Frank took over from Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer. Villa's Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia cancelled out Rodrigo Bentancur's early goal, leading to an unexpected defeat for Spurs. Their fluctuating performances at home remains a significant concern, despite commendable away form this season. They have managed only three victories in 18 Premier League matches at home, although Wednesday's game offers a brief respite as they head to the Stade Louis-II for the Monaco tie.

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In recent Spurs news, Troy Deeney has shared his thoughts on why the team is struggling at home, while Micah Richards and Gary Lineker have been discussing one tweak Frank could make to regain winning momentum. Additionally, the Lewis family have made a new appointment to the board.

£1billion problem called out

Deeney has pointed out that Spurs' state-of-the-art stadium, which cost over £1billion to construct, might be one of the factors contributing to the team's lacklustre performance in north London. So far this season, Spurs have celebrated just one home victory, which was against Burnley on the opening weekend.

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Since then, they have suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolves and, most recently, fell to a 2-1 loss against Villa, all on home soil. Deeney said: "Last year, obviously, they were concentrating on Europe, which was the excuse, but what happens is that it starts to bleed into this year.

"Now, you've got to try to stem the tide and try to make it a fortress. The problem is, it's such a nice ground that everyone enjoys going there, so when you have those moments to put the ball in the box and make it nervous, they've got to do that and they've got to kill teams."

When questioned about Spurs' recent home struggles, Frank told the club's official website: "I think it's about looking into the performances. I think we performed well against Burnley, I think we performed well again today. I think we had one very good first half against Wolves and then we had a bad game against Bournemouth."

Regarding the home fans' influence, the Dane continued: "I think the fans were good. I think they helped what they could and I think we, in moments, looked exciting and in moments we could have done a little bit better."

Frank told he's getting it wrong with Tel

Leicester legend Lineker and ex-Manchester City defender Richards have suggested that Frank is misusing Mathys Tel by deploying the Frenchman as a striker. The 20-year-old joined on a permanent transfer from Bayern Munich during the summer window. This came after a loan stint under Postecoglou last season.

Despite ending his wait for a Premier League strike for Spurs away at Leeds, Tel endured a difficult afternoon against Villa. Lineker and Richards believe they understand the reason, suggesting he feels more at home operating from wide positions.

Lineker said on the Stick to Football podcast: "Thought Tel struggled a little to make an impact, and a lot of the times because, obviously, I look at this side of football, when they played a really high line like Villa did today with not necessarily that much pressure on the ball.

"I've said before, I don't mind when players get offside, but he was going so early. He wasn't just offside – he was like five yards offside most of the time. He needs a little bit of work.

"I preferred him perhaps on the left-hand side when I'm seeing him play there. But he wasn't making the natural runs of a striker that understands how to beat an offside trap, which is not that difficult when a team plays such a high line with no pressure on the ball."

Tel has previously declared he operates "somewhere between a number nine and a left winger." Richards, meanwhile, agreed with Lineker.

"Exactly that. I echo your thoughts as well. I like him better off the left," he said. "But in terms of what Thomas Frank was trying to do, there's a clip or an image of him when they got the goal – he was so happy with the way they pressed.

"He wants pace, he wants mobility, and in terms of Tel, he's done alright in recent weeks, but I don't think he's a natural number nine. He doesn't look like it yet, but he's very young and can learn."

Tottenham confirm appointment

Spurs have announced Dan Lewindon's arrival as the club's new performance director. Sporting director Johan Lange released a statement reading: "We are delighted that Dan will be joining us as performance director.

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"He was the standout candidate and brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of team and individual sports, working in high-performance environments with elite athletes.

"Dan also has a strong academic background and his expertise will be hugely beneficial to us as we drive this area of the club with innovative thinking. We look forward to Dan starting."

Lewindon will reportedly oversee the medical, sports science, nutrition and psychology departments across all squads at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He had been employed with the City Football Group since 2022.

Previously he served as lead physio at Northampton Saints rugby club before advancing to senior physio. He has also been involved with the Lawn Tennis Association.

Tottenham threw away a first-half lead against Aston Villa, as the Champions League-hopefuls suffered their second home defeat of the season. It's the first time under the stewardship of Thomas Frank that Spurs have lost from a winning position, with the north Londoners struggling at times throughout the second half.

The match got off to the perfect start for Spurs, with the hosts taking the lead after just five minutes through Rodrigo Bentancur, who had been picked out in the box by a clever Joao Palhinha knockdown. An offside flag denied Tottenham a second moments later, but against the run of play, it was Villa who found the game's second goal. Having fielded criticisms about his club vs international form, Morgan Rogers put a long-overdue smile on the face of the Villa faithful with a thumping strike from range to level things up at 1-1.

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Despite the promise of the opening minutes, the game began to drift away from Spurs in the second half and by the time the Villa second arrived, there could be few complaints by the Europa League winners. A stand-offish backline allowed space for Lucas Digne, who picked out Emi Buendía in the penalty area, with the substitute doing the rest. Express Sport hand out player ratings following the Sunday afternoon clash.

Guglielmo Vicario - 6

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Didn't have much to do throughout the match and certainly wasn't to blame for the Rogers goal that cannoned into the top corner. Possibly unsighted for the second Villa goal, but again, couldn't do an awful lot about it.

Pedro Porro - 5

Known for his offensive output, but it just wasn't there on a day when Spurs needed it desperately. A bad day at the office for the ex-Sporting CP ace.

Kevin Danso - 6

Came in late after Christian Romero picked up an injury in the warm-up and held his own for most of the contest. There were moments of shakiness but overall it was a solid outing, especially given the circumstances surrounding his inclusion in the team.

Micky van de Ven - 6

Possibly could've closed down the Villa attacker sooner in the build-up to the winning goal, but was generally solid throughout the match.

Djed Spence - 5

All over the place for the Buendia goal, which wasn't helped by the lack of cover from the left winger just ahead of him. Even still, the English international looked a little jaded and had a difficult afternoon on the left-hand side of Spurs' defence.

Joao Palhinha - 7

Bossed the first half and was rightly rewarded with a clever header in the build-up to Spurs' opening goal. Saw much less of the ball in the second half, but the midfielder was just as impressive with his work going the opposite way.

Rodrigo Bentancur - 6

Took his goal spectacularly well and was among the best players on the pitch in the first half. Unlike his midfield partner, the Uruguayan ghosted at times in the second half and struggled to keep up with the pace of Villa's midfield, who managed the game much better.

Xavi Simons - 4

Bitterly disappointing performance from a player who should be delivering much more. Failed to influence the match and probably could've been taken off earlier than he was. It's still very early days for the Dutchman, but for the money Spurs spent, they'll be expecting much more in the future.

Mohammed Kudus - 8

Dazzled at times for the home side and continues to prove himself as one of the signings of the season. Put the cross in that eventually led to the Bentancur goal, and was a marginal offside away from getting his own name on the scoresheet.

Mathys Tel - 5

Far too easy to defend against and wasn't alive to the half-chances that popped up on occasion inside the penalty area. Ought to have thrown his body at a cross before the break, but the youngster was caught on his heels and could only watch as the ball flashed by. Hooked on the hour mark.

Wilson Odobert - 5

Plenty of trickery but not much to show for it. Caught ball watching at times too, with Villa right-back Matty Cash enjoying plenty of space on the right-hand side.

Substitutes:

Richarlison - 6

Brought on to inject some life into the Spurs attack, but was just another Tottenham attacker that didn't do much during his time on the pitch.

Lucas Bergvall - 6

Certainly did his best to liven things up after coming off the bench, with the teenager's energy a welcome addition.

Randal Kolo Muani - 5

Had one chance and fluffed his lines. Granted, it wasn't exactly a sitter, but a player of his quality ought to be making a connection with a dropping ball inside the penalty area. Instead, the Frenchman swung and miss - much to the frustration of the Spurs faithful.

Brennan Johnson - N/A

Pape Matar Sarr - N/A

Pedro Porro is relishing his time at Tottenham - so much so, he can't see himself departing N17 anytime soon. The attacking right-back's outstanding displays at club level have secured his place in Spain's starting XI ahead of next summer's World Cup. Porro, who has previously attracted interest from Real Madrid, has discovered his home at Spurs following last season's memorable Europa League success.

He said ahead of today's Premier League encounter with Aston Villa: "The truth is, I'm very happy and very settled at Tottenham." Thomas Frank has also proved instrumental in the defender's satisfaction. Following 11 fixtures across all competitions, Spurs have suffered just a single defeat.

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Porro insists Frank is "doing a magnificent job." The Spaniard added: "The start of the season has been very good. It's a shame that we lost the Super Cup final on penalties against PSG.

"After going 2-0 up, you have to win that title, but for me, they're one of the best clubs in the world. If you're not focused for the full 90 minutes, that's what can happen."

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The battle for positions at Tottenham has grown exceptionally intense, particularly at full-back where Djed Spence has fought his way into England contention.

Porro's philosophy is to claim every winger's "soul".

He thrives on the challenge of influencing matches both defensively and in attack, stating: "Nowadays, you have to be important in both roles.

"Several years ago I was very involved defensively, trying to be a little bit more involved and to see what I could do because then in attack, I have that self-confidence that's also required from a full-back.

"In defence, you have to be consistent, and in attack, you also have that support for your teammates when they need it."

Tottenham are ready to ‘rip up’ their self-imposed transfer rules around player wages, according to reports. It follows changes in the leadership structure of the club.

The exit of chairman Daniel Levy has been followed with the appointment of Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange who have both been named as sporting directors. The new structure is designed to strengthen leadership, collaboration and decision-making in all areas of the men’s and boy’s game.

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In a club statement, Spurs said: “Together, they will lead our men’s football strategy and drive an ambitious new chapter for the Club. This evolution forms part of the Club’s continued investment in world-class men’s and women’s football structures designed to deliver sustained on pitch success.

“Johan and Fabio’s combined expertise will ensure that every decision, from player pathways and performance development to scouting and recruitment, is aligned and supports one overarching goal – to build a winning, world-class men’s team that endures.”

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According to the Telegraph, there have been hints that the club could change their infamous strict wage bill policy. It is, however, said that the club are still focusing on how they spend their money and not how much the club spend out on transfers.

Spurs’ wage structure is historically conservative and lower than their rivals competing towards the top of the table. Levy’s exit from the club could, though, now signal a change.

It comes after Tottenham confirmed that the Lewis family has invested a further £100 million into the club. A source close to the Lewis family told football.london: "This is initial additional funding.

“As the club's management decides what's needed to deliver success, more money will be available. The Lewis family is committed to backing the club to be successful."

The summer transfer window has just gone, saw Thomas Frank spend £125 million on incomings. The Spurs boss gave a positive reaction to the cash injection.

"First and foremost, I think it's hugely positive that the Lewis family is clearly showing their interest in doing everything they can to improve the club and back the club as they want us to be as successful as possible,” he said. “I think that's a sign of it, that they are injecting cash into the club."

Tottenham Hotspur's previous coaching staff wee reportedly concerned about the performances of goalkeeper Antonin Kinksy in training. The 22-year-old has only made one appearance this season, in the Carabao Cup, as he sits behind Guglielmo Vicario in the pecking order.

Last season, under Ange Postecoglou, Kinksy was given an extended period in the starting eleven swiftly after joining the club in January after the Italian goalkeeper suffered a long-term ankle injury. His impressive performances, including his debut in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg victory over Liverpool, were notable.

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However, BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel has reported a decline in the youngster's displays, including during training sessions. As he is seven years younger than Vicario, Kinksy is seen as a future prospect for the north London club. Vicario, despite a mostly positive start under Thomas Frank, has faced criticism this season, with doubts raised about his ability to command his area.

The goalkeeper was blamed for the goal against Leeds United, even though Spurs managed to secure a victory and move into third place. This has sparked rumours of potential movement in the January transfer window for an alternative option in goal.

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Mokbel, in a Q&A on the BBC Sport website, has dismissed talk of a move for a new 'keeper in the upcoming January transfer window. However, while debunking reports of new goalkeepers joining at the start of the year, he revealed concerning sign regarding Kinsky's progress following a recent dip in the 22-year-old's performance levels.

"I don't believe a new goalkeeper will be a priority for Tottenham anytime soon," he stated. "With regards to Kinsky – he made a very promising start to life at Spurs when he arrived in January. He played regularly under then manager Ange Postecoglou because Vicario was a long-term injury absentee.

"But I've been told that his performances dropped off, even in training, once Vicario moved closer to fitness. That certainly raised an alarm for the previous coaching team." It certainly looks as though Frank has not seen that problem as of yet judging by his verdict when confirming Kinsky would start the Carabao Cup win over Doncaster Rovers.

"I’m very happy with him as a goalkeeper," he said. "I think he’s a very good goalkeeper, and I think he’s got very good potential. For any player that is not starting, they’re not happy. Some probably understand it a bit more, or outfielder sometimes. If you’re young, you try to get your way into it, but at a certain stage, you always want to play. The same with the goalkeeper. “

Wrexham have decisively ruled out the prospect of signing a free agent, despite previous links to ex-Tottenham star Dele Alli. Like all Championship teams, the Red Dragons had to submit a squad list to the EFL in September, which included players aged 21 or over.

Manager Phil Parkinson only utilised 24 of the 25 available slots, potentially leaving space for an unattached player. Wrexham, owned by Hollywood heavyweights Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, were subsequently linked with a move for former England international Dele after his contract with Serie A side Como was terminated. The 29-year-old only managed one appearance for the club, led by Cesc Fabregas, after joining them on an 18-month deal in January.

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Dele was looking to rejuvenate his career after battling injuries and mental health issues. His debut in March ended disastrously, however, when he was sent off just 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute during a 2-1 defeat to AC Milan.

Wrexham were tipped to offer a lifeline to a player once considered one of the Premier League's top talents. However, it has now been officially confirmed that the final squad place has been awarded to midfielder Ollie Rathbone.

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The Manchester United academy graduate was the club's player of the season last term as they secured promotion from League One and recently returned to training after being sidelined with an ankle injury. Parkinson has hinted that he could feature in Wrexham's away match against Stoke City on Saturday, following a boost in his fitness during the international break.

"He's had a great 10 days so he's had a nice block of training now," Parkinson told The Leader. "We had a game arranged and the team we were due to be playing pulled out a couple of days before, which was frustrating, but we were able to have an in-house game last Wednesday.

"Then we've had further 11-v-11s this week as well just to prepare everybody for what is an important period coming up when we start again at Stoke."

Currently, Wrexham sit 18th in the table going into the match after securing 10 points from their initial nine games in the second tier, while Stoke are fifth following a strong start for Mark Robins' squad. Rathbone has been a pivotal player for the Red Dragons since making the switch from Rotherham in August 2024, having risen through the United youth ranks alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford.

In other news, Dele remains clubless and was recently seen training in Bali as he searches for a new team. The midfielder previously set his sights on playing at next year's World Cup with England, but the likelihood of that happening now seems incredibly slim.

Wrexham have been given an additional lift ahead of their match against Stoke, with the return from injury of summer signing Liberato Cacace. The left wing-back was snapped up from Italian club Empoli in July in a deal believed to be worth an initial £2.16million, potentially rising to as much as £4m with add-ons.

The New Zealand international has only managed two league appearances so far due to hamstring problems, but is now fit for selection.