Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists the raft of youngsters in his UEFA Cup squad tonight deserve their place.

John Bostock, the 16-year-old midfielder signed from Crystal Palace, made his first-team debut in the 4-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb earlier this month. In doing so, he became the youngest player to play for Spurs in a competitive fixture, and he is the best known of the quintet.

But defender Adam Smith, midfielders Yaser Kasim and Ryan Mason and striker Jonathan Obika have also travelled, illustrating Redknapp's desire to have a good look at the club's future.

Although few are suggesting that the five players brought to Holland will go on to represent their countries at senior level, it is clear that Redknapp is determined to give youth its chance.

Redknapp said: "These players have to deserve being brought away on trips. They have to be good enough to play, as playing people for the sake of it is a waste of time.

"They have trained with us, and we will continue to have a good look at them. A lot of these players are new to me, and I want to find out more about them.

"I have not really got to know the kids, but I have heard that some of them have done well, and they deserve the chance to come away.

"It has been a long time since one of the kids has truly broken through at Spurs. It is not easy, and a lot of clubs find themselves in the same position. Finding kids who come through the youth team to reach the first team is getting more and more difficult."