Thursday 3 December 2015 14:52, UK
Andros Townsend is in contention for Tottenham's trip to West Brom on Saturday after spending the last month with the Under 21s, Mauricio Pochettino revealed.
The 24-year-old has been frozen out of the first team since early November ago as punishment for a heated exchange with a Spurs fitness trainer during a post-match warm-down.
The England international is yet to start a game for Spurs this season and has played just 64 minutes of top-flight football.
He failed to make the bench for Sunday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea before running out for the reserves against Middlesbrough on Monday night.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Pochettino said the incident is water under the bridge and that the winger's attitude in recent weeks has impressed him.
"There is not an issue with Andros. He was on the bench in some games and was out of the squad against Chelsea. He asked us to play in the Under 21s against Middlesbrough," Pochettino said.
"It's a very good thing because, for me, it's a very good attitude to play for the Under 21s and wanting to keep working hard and keep his physical level."
Asked if Townsend is back with the first team, Pochettino said: "Yes, yes, it's like any other player. In Andros' case he wanted to play for the Under 21s.
"It's not easy. He's still young and has a big future in football here or at another club. You always need to learn in football."
Pochettino also revealed that midfielder Ryan Mason will miss Saturday's clash with the Baggies.
"Ryan got a problem in his ankle against Chelsea. He is not available. We hope it is not a big issue but it is impossible to recover for Saturday," Pochettino said.
"We hope it will not be longer. Maybe next week or week after he will start training with the group. You never know with all the injuries."
