Mauricio Pochettino explains Tottenham's youth philosophy

Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has promised to continue the line of youth players breaking into the first-team and has explained the philosophy behind the club's increasingly successful academy.

The Argentinian, whose side contest the North London derby against Arsenal on Sky Sports 1HD on Super Sunday, says a number of under-21s are training with his first-team as part of their development process.

Pochettino has brought through the likes of Josh Onomah and Harry Winks this season, on top of Harry Kane, Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb last term.

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And he explained: "I'm not afraid to play them. If they are 17, 18, 19 or 20 it's the same for us; if they deserve to play, and show character and maturity to be given the responsibility, then they will play.

"For that, you need to build the player. It's not about age or name. The younger player needs faith in them and you need to translate the feeling that you believe in them. They need to believe that you believe because, if not, it's nothing.

"When they feel this then it gives them extra and this is the moment they can play. A good example is Eric Dier. When we signed him from Portugal, he was at centre-back, then full-back, and this season we start to train with him as a holding midfielder. I think it's a fantastic position for him.

"It's a process. Josh Onomah, last season, started to work with us two or three months before the end and he made the pre-season with us. It's the same with Harry Winks.

"Different young players are now with us in the squad, training every day and playing with the U21s. It's to give them the confidence and trust, and to feel they are part of the squad."

Dier was one of four of Pochettino's players named in the England squad this week along with Kane, Kyle Walker and Dele Alli.

Pochettino said: "You feel proud when you arrive and the young player starts to play and they get to the level where England or a different national team picks them.

"I think for the club, and for us, and for the supporters, it is a great thing."