Wednesday 7 October 2015 16:05, UK
Mauricio Pochettino has urged England manager Roy Hodgson to protect young midfielder Dele Alli.
The 19-year-old has been called up to the senior squad and could make his debut in the European Qualifiers against Lithuania and Estonia, despite only making his Premier League debut in August.
Pochettino said: "It's important to look after him. We need to provide him with the best conditions to help him keep his feet on the ground, that's the most important thing.
"Dele is very mature and has a personality that he shows on the pitch and outside, so I don't think it's a big issue. He needs to enjoy his moment and now we need to work hard to look after him."
"We're all happy for Dele and we have a very good relationship with Roy Hodgson and his staff and the national team."
Last month, Pochettino expressed caution over Hodgson picking Alli for the squad to soon, despite the former MK Dons star impressing in his first 10 Spurs appearances.
"It is the same situation as last season with Harry Kane. Be careful with the young players that arrive in the Premier League," he said.
"It is not easy. Again it is not my decision. It is Roy Hodgson's decision if he wants to call up Dele Alli. You can see he is a player who is very mature and shows great quality.
"But always in football you need to take it step by step, game by game. He has a great personality and good character. But it is too much of a rush to talk about bigger steps for him."
