(Reuters) – Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his satisfaction with Pedro Porro’s performance at the Premier League club after the right back’s 78th-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory over Burnley, propelling them into the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday.
Porro was signed by Spurs on loan from Portuguese side Sporting in January last year, with an obligation to purchase his contract for 39 million pounds ($49.6 million) in the summer.
Despite a slow start in north London, Postecoglou expressed contentment with the 24-year-old Spaniard’s development.
“I love Pedro because from the day I arrived he’s got so much passion and energy and enthusiasm for the game,” Postecoglou, who took over from Antonio Conte in June, told reporters. “He’s worked really, really hard on the defensive side of his game. Obviously, it’s a different kind of role. He’s used to playing as a wing back, and he’s got a lot more defensive responsibility, but we always knew he had the attacking qualities.”
Postecoglou also confirmed that defender Eric Dier was not part of the squad due to injury. Dier, 29, has been linked with a move to German giants Bayern Munich.
When asked if Dier’s absence was related to reports of his move to Bayern, Postecoglou responded, “It’s a separate issue, mate, do not question my integrity. When I say he’s injured, he’s injured. He didn’t train yesterday, ask him.”
Spurs’ upcoming league fixture will see them visit Manchester United on January 14.
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(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Gerry Doyle)
