Djed Spence says he NEVER thought his Tottenham career was 'over' – even during a painstaking 881-day wait for a start

Djed Spence has insisted that he never lost faith that his Tottenham career would turn around, even after spending the better part of three years completely out of favour.

The English full-back earned plaudits yet again during Thursday’s Carabao Cup clash against Manchester United, helping steer his team to a thrilling 4-3 victory to book their place in the semi-finals.

Spence, 24, is at long last stamping his mark at full-back, impressing once more off the back of an influential display in Spurs’ 5-0 thrashing of Southampton at the weekend, where he bagged an assist inside just 36 seconds.

Having waited an arduous 881 days for a place in the Tottenham starting XI, Spence claims he always believed he would get a chance to shine in North London.

‘No, it’s never over until I leave,’ he said when asked if he ever lost hope. ‘There’s always a chance to play.’

Since making his £20million move from Middlesbrough in 2022, Spence has spent much of his time at Tottenham out on loan, bouncing between Stade Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa in recent seasons.

Spence made his first Spurs start against Southampton, bagging an assist inside 36 seconds

His spells away have reaped mixed results, showing encouraging signs at Rennes only to see his stint at Elland Road cut short the next season, with manager Daniel Farke raising question marks over the player’s attitude.

Spence seems to have taken adversity in his stride, though, with personal growth at the heart of his career turnaround under Ange Postecoglou.

‘I’ve just grown as a person I guess,’ he added. ‘During loan spells you learn a lot so when I came back I just got straight to it really, with the right mentality. I’m pleased to be here.’

Spence will have the difficult task of keeping Destiny Udogie out of the team, who has spent a short spell on the sidelines through injury but could be fit for Sunday’s mammoth outing at home to league leaders Liverpool.

But buoyed by back-to-back starts, Spence is eager to get more minutes under his belt, leaving an impression at every opportunity he gets.

‘I just want to keep going,’ he said. ‘I’m happy with the assist and hopefully I keep helping the team out, keep going, playing well and hopefully we can also keep winning. Sometimes it’s difficult but you’ve got to stay ready.

‘Thank you to my team-mates and the coaching staff for helping me stay ready for when I get my chance to then do what I do.

‘I got an assist and last game I got an assist, so I’m pleased with myself. We train hard so I’m always prepared and you’ve got to be ready at all costs.’