Ryan Mason has praised Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino for helping him win his first England call.
The midfielder, 23, has been given plenty of opportunities by Pochettino this season which has seen him rewarded by Roy Hodgson with inclusion in the Three Lions for this weekend's Euro2016 qualifier and next week's friendly with Italy.
Of the Pochettino influence, Mason spoke to TheFA.com regarding his apparent rapid rise to the top which has featured loan spells with the likes of Swindon Town, Doncaster Rovers and Yeovil Town.
"It was unfortunate that I didn't kick on at a younger age, it took me a bit longer to establish myself," Mason said.
"I had a lot of injuries and perhaps went out on loan at the wrong times. There were times when players were getting opportunities in the UEFA Cup and I was out on loan.
"But now I've got a manager who trusts in me and believes in me. He came in from day one and said that.
"To have a manager like that it gives me a great deal of confidence. He's has given Harry [Kane] his opportunity and he's grabbed it with both hands.
"Hopefully, for the sake of English football and Tottenham, that can happen a lot more."
For breaking stories and all the great banter like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tribalfootball