Ryan Mason tells Sky Sports about England 'highlight' and puts Tottenham breakthrough down to loan moves

Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason insists a string of loan moves as a youngster made him the player he is today and says his England debut was "the highlight of his career".

Mason, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of Tottenham’s live Super Sunday clash with Burnley, had seemingly missed his chance to break into the Spurs first team after spending six years since his senior bow plying his trade with numerous Football League clubs.

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Stints with Yeovil, Doncaster, Millwall, Lorient in France and Swindon all followed Mason’s senior debut for Spurs in November 2008 after he failed to persuade then-boss Harry Redknapp that he should be handed a regular starting berth.

However, under Mauricio Pochettino, Mason has been brought in from the cold and become a key member of the first-team at White Hart Lane.

Despite playing some fine football for Spurs this season, Mason credits the toughness he learnt whilst out on loan as the key reason for his meteoric, late rise.

“Harry Redknapp gave me my opportunity at a very young age, and hoped to kick on from there, but it never really happened,” Mason said.

“The fact that I have had to take a different route to other players has made me the player I am today.

“There were times when I had injuries or it didn’t go so well, but I think that it made me stronger, and appreciate playing at a higher level.

“Players get pampered at Under-21 and reserve level in the Premier League.

“For them to go and experience what it is like with a real crowd, when it actually means something to players to pick up three points is priceless.

“You learn to get through the game with minimal contact. There are some big men in the lower leagues.

“There is some great football, but there are some really tough places to go on a Tuesday night when it is raining in the winter. They are the proper games.

“You get the odd player like Ross Barkley or Wayne Rooney who are physically ready for the Premier League at a young age.

“But probably nine out of 10 young players need to go out on loan to get that experience, and managers will be more obliged to put them in the first team with that experience.

“There was times when I thought I played better under other managers, but this gaffer (Pochettino) has the belief in young players.

“He is enthusiastic, and wants to be around the players, is big into his fitness and brought a winning mentality.”

Mason’s turnaround became complete after making his England debut in the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw in Italy – assisting Spurs team-mate Andros Townsend during his 16 minute appearance.

“It was a dream come true to be named in the England squad, and was even better that I got some minutes on the pitch,” Mason added.

“It was the highlight of my career and I’d be very surprised if I could top that to be honest.

“I have a great friendship with Andros, and to make my debut with three other Tottenham lads on the pitch made it that extra bit special.

“You could see that when Andros scored, the first three players over there were us.”

Watch the full interview with Ryan Mason on Super Sunday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports 1 HD then watch Burnley v Tottenham live - kick-off at 1.30pm.

Watch Super Sunday for £6.99 with a NOW TV Sky Sports Day Pass, or visit www.nowtv.com if viewing from a mobile device.