Spurs prodigy Sterling working on his autograph

Kazaiah Sterling may have loved his first taste of action with Tottenham’s senior squad but admits his autograph technique still needs some work.

The 18-year-old has been brilliant for Spurs’ youth sides this term, plundering 14 goals in 29 appearances across the Under-18s, Under-23s UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup – notching seven times en route to the semi-finals of the latter.

And the forward made his first-team debut during the club’s post-season tour to Hong Kong this week, scoring in injury-time of a 4-1 victory over Kitchee SC by finishing Dele Alli’s pinpoint pass.

Photo credit: Getty Images

That made him an instant favourite with Spurs’ Asian fans who had come out to watch their heroes, although the youngster concedes he was more comfortable on the pitch than with pen in hand.

“Overall, I really enjoyed the trip. I’ve never signed so many autographs! Before this tour, I didn’t really have an autograph,” laughed Sterling.

“It’s been great. I’d never been to Hong Kong before and I didn’t realise there was such a big Tottenham fanbase out here.

“I didn’t know how popular we were, especially players like Harry Kane and Dele Alli, as soon as they came out the fans went wild for them! The fans were very welcoming, very enthusiastic and that was great to see.

“I’m delighted to play my first game with the first team and to score as well. It was a great experience to play in front of a crowd that big (28,000).

“It was a special moment and a good landmark for me to try to kick on. I’ve had a taste and I’m just going to work as hard as I can again next season.”