‘He’s working hard’: Cristian Stellini says £20m Tottenham player is doing well in training, Antonio Conte’s barely used him

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Tottenham Hotspur assistant boss Cristian Stellini has told Football.London that Djed Spence is doing well in training.

Antonio Conte has barely used Spence since he made the £20 million switch from Middlesbrough over the summer (The Guardian).

The 22-year-old has been used as a late substitute on three occasions in the Premier League and is still aiming to break into the starting line-up.

Spence impressed on loan at Nottingham Forest in the Championship last season and his form earned him a move to north London.

Ahead of Spurs’ League Cup clash against his former side tomorrow night, Stellini has praised Spence for working hard in training.

Stellini on Spence

“For our young players, every game is the game to trust in him,” Stellini told Football.London.

“If we think the EFL Cup is important, we need the players who are ready. Djed Spence is one of those for sure, he’s working hard.

“Not every player is the same. They need time. Players that arrive from the Championship need more time. He needs time. With the young players you need to make it the right time.

“When you play in the Championship, your step up is so big, you need to work. It’s about a lot of situations.

“It’s not only technically and tactically, he’s working hard and we’re happy with him. When you’re working in a club like this, there’s only one solution and that’s to win the game.

“It’s difficult for a player to come from the Championship and to be ready and to play with the pressure at first.”

Conte has preferred both Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty over the youngster so far this season.

But Spence will be hoping to get a chance to impress tomorrow night against his old side.

Spurs travel to the City Ground for the third round of the Carabao Cup and Conte may be keen to rotate his side ahead of their clash against Leeds this weekend.

The Italian will probably be mindful that this competition represents a good opportunity for Spurs to end their trophy drought though.