Former Tottenham captain Gary Mabbutt has exclusively told This Is Futbol that teenage sensational Dane Scarlett should use Harry Kane as inspiration to “make a difference” in the first-team.
Whilst the England skipper is now one of the most feared goalscorers in European football, it hasn’t always been plain-sailing for Kane.
Kane endured some difficult loan spells in the Football League before breaking through under Tim Sherwood, and then establishing himself under Mauricio Pochettino.
And Scarlett, who signed his first professional contract at Spurs following his 17th birthday, is already on track to become a regular in the senior side having already made both his Tottenham and Premier League debut as a 16-year-old.
The striker appeared against both Ludogorets and Wolfsberger in the Europa League before making his league bow late in the victory over West Brom back in February.
Jose Mourinho revealed earlier this year prior to his departure that the teenager will be a permanent member of Spurs’ first-team squad next season, and it remains to be seen whether the north London outfit’s next manager will have the same view.
But Mabbutt has warned Scarlett that it’s down to him from now on.
He told TIF: “It’s very popular at the moment, but I will cite Harry Kane at the moment. Every youngster looking at a player that’s not had it easy coming through the ranks and had to fight extremely hard to get an opportunity, and grabbed it to make sure he made it his own by hard-work, determination and strong character.
“I have seen to many players that have extremely high levels of quality, but there are other things in their game that don’t make them into a top player.
“And I certainly think Dane is a player coming through who can make a difference in the future.”