Winks: My gr-eight responsibility

Harry Winks felt the history on his shoulders when he pulled on the number eight shirt for the first time last weekend.

Synonymous with all-time greats like Jimmy Greaves and Paul Gascoigne, Harry assumed responsibilities for carrying the traditional midfield number this summer and gave it a first run-out since Ryan Mason’s last game for us in 2016 when he made his long-awaited return from an ankle injury as a late substitute during our 3-1 victory over Fulham at Wembley on Saturday.

Previously number 29, the Academy product was honoured to take to the field wearing such a significant shirt for his boyhood club.

“It’s something I’ve always dreamed of since I was a little boy, to have the number eight at Tottenham,” he said after his comeback against the Cottagers.

“It really is special. There have been so many great names and great players who have played in that shirt over the years and when you’re a young fan and aspiring Tottenham player, number eight, as a midfielder, is just the pinnacle so to get the number is an honour and I’ve got to work hard to do it justice.

“If you look around in football, even outside the club, there’s people like Steven Gerrard who have worn the shirt who I’ve always said I looked up to as a young boy and there’s some great players who have worn it over the years in Europe too, people like Andrés Iniesta.

“It’s just a number that I’ve always wanted to have and to wear it for Tottenham’s first team is a real honour for me.”

Harry confirmed he personally asked for the change of number – and was grateful to Mauricio Pochettino and the back-room staff at the club for granting his wish.

“I asked the club if I could have it,” he explained. “I don’t really know how it all happened if I’m being honest – the club just sorted it for me and I was just told one day that I was going to have it, so it was all a bit of a whirlwind when I found out. I’m very grateful and I’m looking forward to knuckling down and working hard now.”