SPURS fans let out a collective groan when Keiran Trippier hobbled off the pitch in the pre-season friendly versus Juventus.

After all, the full back’s emergence was seen as the reason it was okay to let Kyle Walker go to Manchester City.

But no bother – the under study’s under study, Kyle Walker-Peters, stepped in on the right against Newcastle for the season opener today (Sunday) and put in a performance that speaks volumes of the Tottenham way.

He didn’t put a foot wrong, and gradually, as his team mates saw his confidence grow, began to offer a real threat going forward as well as defensive solidity.

Mauricio Pochettino has every year blooded Academy youngsters – from established first teamers such Harrys Kane and Winks to squad players Josh Onomah and Cameron Carter-Vickers – and on the strength of today’s showing, Edmonton-born Walker-Peters, just 20, can be this year’s breakthrough act.