Published: 18 September, 2014
by DAN CARRIER

MAURICIO Pochettino appointed Younes Kaboul new team captain this week but could still relegate him to the bench on Sunday in favour of starting Jan Vertonghen and Federico Fazio in the heart of defence against West Brom. 

The boss had been searching for a new skipper since selling Michael Dawson to Hull in August, and settled on the French defender, who is now one of the clubs longest serving players. But wearing the armband doesn’t guarantee Kaboul a starting place with Fazio and youngster Eric Dier also both vying for a regular centre back spot. 

Dier is set to enjoy a regular run out in the first team, however, as he deputises at right-back for Kyle Walker, who is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines following surgery on his abdomen.