Foreigners are blocking our chances, claims Spurs youngster Bostock

Tottenham youngster John Bostock reckons his progress is being blocked by foreigners at Spurs - and he now wants to prove himself on loan.

The 18-year-old was linked with Barcelona and Chelsea before joining Spurs two years ago but has only played three times since signing.

Brentford did not renew Bostock’s loan last season but the midfielder is ready for another short-term deal in the lower leagues.

“You look at the foreign contingent over here and it’s blocking us,” he said. “It’s frustrating. It’s hard when you have not been given that chance.”

New Premier League rules mean clubs have to register eight homegrown players in their 25-man but Bostock is unsure whether it will help.

“Clubs are spending millions on foreigners and they still want to play them.

“Personally, I believe if you are good enough, you’ll get that chance. It’s hard because we might have to wait until we are 21 or 22.”

Bostock has been playing for England Under-19s in the European Championships and scored their goal in the defeat to Spain in the semi-finals.

He is desperate for first-team football and wants to follow the lead of Under-19 skipper Matthew James who has gone to Preston on loan for the season.

Bostock added: “Definitely. I just want to play. The dream is to play for Tottenham, but I want to play.

“Matthew is playing competitive football where people are playing for their livelihoods. It’s hard but you can see the change in him.”

Midfielder James is relishing the prospect of a year at Deepdale, adding: “I went out on loan last year and played 18 games for Preston. As soon as you go out playing first-team football you are in everyone’s eye.

“There are men there who need to win. There are 15,000 people paying to watch you - you have to turn up. At youth team you might have 200 people watching, you haven’t got 15,000 on your case.”