OPINION
Jamie Redknapp hit the nail on the head with his verdict on Tottenham forward Troy Parrott when discussing how the club should cope with the injury to Harry Kane.
The Sky Sports pundit revealed that due to Parrott being only 16-years-old that he is not ready to feature for Spurs’ first-team after being asked his thoughts on the club perhaps looking within to deal with Kane’s absence.
“There’s a lot of good young players coming through at Tottenham, I think Parrott, we talk about the young Irish player but he is not ready , he is 16-years of age,” said Redknapp ahead of Fulham v Spurs (Sky Sports Premier League, Sunday January 20th, 13:03).
It maybe a harsh reality check for the Spurs gem as he no doubts wants to break into the first-team as soon as possible, but Redknapp is spot-on with his verdict.
Parrott is clearly one to watch for the future but if Mauricio Pochettino deploys the promising youngster in the coming weeks to make up for Kane’s absence it could have worrying consequences.
It’s too much to ask of the 16-year-old to not only play Premier League football at this stage but to ask him to take the place of such a prolific forward as the pressure will be tremendous on him.
Parrott could see his confidence shatter if he doesn’t deliver as football can be brutal and it’s an unfair situation to put him in.
Jim White previously revealed on talkSPORT on Wednesday (January 16th, 10am) that Spurs were considering using Parrott with Kane out injured due to the teen impressing for the youth team.
“Tottenham are looking at all options and that includes an academy prospect. They are considering the prospect of using Troy Parrott, which would be a sensational move for the youngster” said the broadcaster.
However while he has scored 14 goals in 21 outings for the youth team this season, Redknapp is completely right to claim he is not ready for senior football just yet.