Tottenham’s Tangana could become regular sooner rather than later

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He may have only just made his first-team debut, but Tottenham Hotspur’s Japhet Tanganga may not have to wait too long for a proper chance.

The 20-year-old was handed his first appearance by Mauricio Pochettino in the Carabao Cup third round clash with Colchester, which the north Londoners embarrassingly lost.

It was a night to forget for Spurs, who dominated their League Two opponents only to lose the game on penalties.

The inquest has begun and the media are applying the pressure, particularly on the manager, but youngster Tanganga can come away with his head held high.

Many Spurs players came in for a hammering from fans but Tanganga was praised for an assured display at centre-half barring one or two moments.

Given the rest of the team were so poor, it’s a 66-minute performance that will be remembered.

TBR’s view

Tanganga has a bright future ahead of him, and it could only be a matter of time before he breaks into the starting XI.

Spurs have looked very weak so far this year in defence, with Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez having looked particularly shaky. Even the outstanding Toby Alderweireld has not looked his usual self, and Eric Dier – although he played centre-half against Colchester – appears unfancied.

The Belgians are both out of contract at the end of the season meaning Pochettino does have to start thinking about life after them – the temptation to use the promising Tanganga to prepare could well be strong.