Luca Williams-Barnett: Thomas Frank hints at exciting Tottenham debut in Carabao Cup clash | OneFootball

The teenager is in contention to face Doncaster as reward for an impressive start to the season at U21s level

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Thomas Frank has hinted that Luca Williams-Barnett could be involved in Tottenham's Carabao Cup tie against Doncaster.

He was left out of the U21 squad for a fixture against Plymouth on Tuesday night and, at his pre-match press conference earlier in the day, Frank suggested the teenager could be one of the academy prospects to make the squad when Spurs host League One side Doncaster on Wednesday.

"Yeah, he's a player that we like a lot," Frank said.

"Let's see tomorrow, but that could be an opportunity."

Williams-Barnett was named in the first-team squad on several occasions last season, including away in the Europa League against Galatasaray.

His former U18 coach Stuart Lewis was appointed at Spurs' transition coach in the summer, a new role designed to aid academy stars in making the step up into the senior fold.

Lewis has been among those to keep Frank updated on Williams-Barnett's progress, and the Spurs boss has also had first-hand experience.

I'm well aware of Luca's talent and I like what I see. He's young, obviously, but his composure and technique and vision is very good

Thomas Frank

"Of course he's been trained with us, Luca, a few times and I get good info from the academy and from our transition coach, Stuart," Frank said.

"So yeah, I'm well aware of Luca's talent and I like what I see. He's young, obviously, but his composure and technique and vision is very good."

Williams-Barnett's superb form has intensified calls for him to be tested in the deep waters of first-team football and Frank discussed the balancing act that Spurs face with his development.

"I think it's the fine balance that he needs to, how can you say, play and develop somewhere where he gets pushed enough but it's not too tough," Frank said.

"And other times where he needs to be pushed very hard and it's tricky for him to cope with the intensity or the physicality. So just try to strike that balance."