Chris Gunter has been assured he still has a big future at Tottenham despite being sent on loan to Nottingham Forest. The 19-year-old said: "I did get frustrated. But there are times I have been sitting on the bench at Spurs and looking around at players who have played 200 plus games in the Premier League. And they are not happy either.

"I just took a step back and realised the benefits of what I could do on loan somewhere.

"I have been told I will be part of what is happening at Spurs in the future.

"The manager has shown at previous jobs that he gives youngsters a chance. But maybe he thought that it wasn't the time to use young players, considering the position Spurs found themselves in."

Gunter, a £3million signing from Cardiff just over a year ago, added: "I have been happy with the chance to play regular football at Forest.

"Being match fit for Wales was in my mind, but generally I just wanted to chance to play regularly.

"I had these two big Wales games at the back of my mind. But people forget that even when you are not playing in the first team, you are working with them all week and that can only add to your experience.

"My general fitness has been fine, and although I have not played too much in recent weeks I am really looking forward to these two World Cup games."

He continued: "I am realistic that as a 19-year-old, if you are at a club that have been struggling in the wrong half of the table, then it is possible that the manager will start to go for experience rather than youth.

"I realise how big a club Spurs are, and for them to be in a relegation battle was not good enough.

"My career has not ended because I have been loaned out to Forest, it is all part of my education and will make me stronger and better for the experience.

"The manager just told me to go out on loan and play some games, it happened to a couple of other youngsters at Spurs at the same time.

"There are not too many lads of 19 playing every week in the Premier League at the moment, so there is always a chance that you will be sent out on loan to learn.

"You just have to look at the bigger picture. I am at a great club at Spurs and I needed matches. It is as simple as that.

"A 19-year-old in Liverpool or Manchester United's reserves would go out on loan and nobody would question it.

"Everything you do gains you experience on and off the pitch. Moving away on loan to Forest or anywhere will develop you as a person."