Tottenham: 'Door now opened' for £12.5m star at Hotspur Way

Tottenham Hotspur ace Djed Spence could finally get an opportunity following Emerson Royal’s red card in the north London derby, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Brazilian was sent off in the defeat at Arsenal and is now facing a three-match ban, which could see the £12.5m summer signing move up the pecking order.

When Spence arrived at Tottenham from Middlesbrough, he looked like being the man who could solve Antonio Conte’s right wing-back problem.

Spence had enjoyed an incredibly successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest, which included some standout performances against the likes of Arsenal and Leicester – those suggested that he looked ready for Premier League football.

But three months later, the 22-year-old has made just one appearance in all competitions and has even been overlooked from matchday squads on a couple of occasions despite the nine-substitute rule.

Conte has continuously picked Royal even though he’s shown a lack of quality and composure in the final third.

Read more: Champions League 2022/23: Fixtures, Draw, Dates, Schedule, Final, Teams and Everything We Know So Far

But Royal is suspended for the trips to Brighton and Manchester United and the home game against Everton on Saturday week, meaning Conte has a huge decision to make.

After Royal’s red card, he was quizzed about Spence and whether he could come into the fold.

He said: “I try to do the best for the team. If they trust me, then they trust me, but the choices are mine.

“If I didn’t decide to pick one player it’s maybe because he’s not ready. We are talking about a young player with a good prospect, but I repeat I try to pick the best team.”

Regardless, O’Rourke still reckons the England Under-21s ace will eventually get his