"He is ready to start any game" - Ange Postecoglou gives Mikey Moore approval ahead of Crystal Palace

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After an impressive performance against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou has hinted Mikey Moore could be in line for his first Premier League start for Tottenham.

Spurs travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday, to face a Crystal Palace side who are yet to win a league game this season.

With Son Heung-min unlikely to feature due to injury, there is room for a new left winger to make his mark and impress Postecoglou.

"He's one of the options. His body is still adjusting to this level, so to ask to play two games in a short space of time, we have to be cautious about how we handle him.

"But we'll have a look at how the team shapes up," stated the Australian manager. "He's still physically growing and you have to take that into account.

"He is ready to start any game ... He's ready to start a Premier League game for sure, but it's about developing Mikey in the right way and giving him the platform to keep improving."

Postecoglou is clearly an admirer of the English prospect but is being careful about his game time, in order to protect Moore.

This, in turn, allows the London born 17-year-old more freedom to express himself when given playing opportunities.

"Mikey just wants to be Mikey"

"He works hard every day and he's making an impact at an age where its very hard to make an impact at this level," noted Postecoglou.

"It's the beginning of his career, and like I said from my perspective it's about constantly making sure we're working with him and giving him the platform to keep improving.

"Mikey will be Mikey and that'll take him to whatever his ability does."

Ange Postecoglou has a habit of not putting a ceiling on what his team can achieve and he has the same approach to the potential of his players.

If it was not for Lamine Yamal, the raw talent of Mikey Moore would be seen as far more alien than it already is.

His composure on the ball, alongside his unwavering confidence to beat a man demonstrates he is not struggling to adapt quickly to the European stage.

The Tottenham manager further commented, "With young players, you've got to be really careful with their introduction into senior football.

"Even last year, he didn't really have a full season of football. He had a couple of injuries and went from playing U18s football to very little U21s before we integrated him."

The speed of Moore's transition into the first team, without going out on loan, is testament to his natural footballing ability.

Previously, we have seen the likes of Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett immediately loaned out to gain experience, this was also the case for Harry Kane.

It is yet to be seen whether the fast-tracked pathway into the first team set-up will benefit or hinder Mikey Moore, but the early signs are certainly positive.

"So far, whatever we have asked of him, he has made a real impact and the plan is to continue to do that."

With the return of Wilson Odobert, along with Timo Werner, it is not guaranteed that Englishman will walk into the team in Son's absence.

Often Postecoglou has opted for Timo Werner, but after being subbed off at half time following some missed chances early on, the Australian may opt for a more confident winger.

Odobert did feature against AZ Alkmaar and could make a return to the Lilywhites' starting line-up, however the brilliance of Mikey Moore is hard to ignore.

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