Tottenham defender Serge Aurier needs to grow up if he is to turn a lengthy rap-sheet into a distant memory.

That's the view of two former team-mates who have spoken up on his behalf after the defender left a trail of bust-ups.

Two of his former international colleagues – Didier Drogba and Kolo Toure – have tried to explain his excesses but admitted things might have to change if he is to be successful in the Premier League.

Former Chelsea striker Drogba said: “Serge Aurier maybe has to make those mistakes to really understand and realise what he represents.

“He's a good person, he's loyal, he wants to succeed. His problem is away from the pitch – he's always given everything on the pitch.

“But you know that when there are kids who call your name and ask for autographs, you have to be careful with all your actions and gestures."

Fellow Ivorian Kolo Toure, now with Celtic, said: “It's a lack of maturity, quite simply.

“I think he must feel very bad about it. But he got carried away and didn't realise the consequences.

“Serge is a really good guy, ask his team-mates. He's young. We've all been like that. We've all been through that stage when we're young, playing the hard guy."