Steven Caulker hopes he will be ready to stake a claim for a regular role at Tottenham next season after fine-tuning his game during three loan spells.
Defender determined to make the grade at White Hart Lane
Steven Caulker hopes he will be ready to stake a claim for a regular role at Tottenham next season after fine-tuning his game during three loan spells.
The highly-rated centre-half has spent time with Yeovil, Bristol City and Swansea in an effort to prove himself to the coaching staff at White Hart Lane.
He has developed at pace during each of those loan stints, with this season's stay with Swansea seeing him compete on the Premier League stage.
The 20-year-old has also become a key figure for the England U21 side, with an eye-catching display for the Young Lions against Belgium on Wednesday seeing him net a goal and help to keep a clean sheet in a 4-0 win.
Caulker is pleased with the progress he has made over the last few years, but admits making the grade at Spurs and gracing the biggest competitions in club football remains his ultimate target.
"I've been out on loan and done my bread and butter work, now next season I will be looking to break into the Tottenham team," said Caulker.
Milestone
"It will be difficult because there is competition for places at Spurs but I am confident in my own ability and we will see where the summer takes us.
"I've been out on loan for the last few years and it has done me no harm but I would like to stay at Tottenham next season. I've seen some of the football they have played this season and I want to be part of that.
"There's no reason why they can't finish third and I would love to play in the Champions League next year.
"I followed them closely in the competition last season. I went to watch the games against Real Madrid and AC Milan and they were fantastic occasions. The atmosphere at both games was amazing and I've never known anything like it.
"If I could be involved next season, I would be delighted. It would be another milestone in my career."
