Tottenham Hotspur travel to Southampton on Saturday, opponents who generate fond memories for midfielder Oliver Skipp.
The 18-year-old midfielder made his Premier League debut when he replaced Kieran Trippier during Spurs’ 3-1 home win over Southampton in December.
"It was amazing, unbelievable, a dream," says Skipp.
"My best memory from my Premier League debut was walking out with all the crowd around me, getting ready to play the game.
"As I ran on to the pitch, Mauricio [Pochettino] gave me some tactical advice. He said, 'Just play how you usually play and try to make an impact.' "
Ambitions
Skipp has gone on to make eight further first-team appearances in all competitions, including four in the Premier League.
"My Premier League ambitions are to continue improving, hopefully get more minutes and then see where that takes me," he says.
Parker's influence
Skipp has highlighted the influence of Scott Parker, who coached Spurs' Under-18s before joining Fulham’s first-team coaching staff last summer.
"With the players I’ve been compared to, maybe [I’m similar to] someone like Scott Parker," says Skipp, having received his Premier League Debut Ball from Kenny Swain, the Premier League Club Supporter Manager. "He was a bit of a mentor for me."
Now part of the first-team squad, the 18-year-old does not have to look far for role models to inspire him.
"I admire Harry Kane for his professionalism and Harry Winks for coming through the Academy," he says. "It’s a similar journey to the one I’ve been on."
