Sampdoria boss Dejan Stankovic has heaped praise on Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks.

The loanee has not enjoyed the best of spells in Italy, struggling with his fitness all season.

Winks finally got his first chance to play in Serie A, coming on against Empoli for 28 minutes last Monday.

He also played against Udinese on Sunday, a game which Sampdoria lost 1-0.

Pre-game, Stankovic told the club website: “I'm pleased for Winks as he's back playing football again.

"He's suffered so much, but he's given his all to get back and help the team out. I don't want to heap the pressure on him because we can only get out of this situation as a squad.

"I can see it in everyone's eyes that there's a desire to turn the situation around. We're in for a fight and we mustn't let up for even a second."