TOTTENHAM manager Jose Mourinho was full of praise for Warringtonian teenager Alfie Devine after he made Spurs history in the FA Cup yesterday.

Aged 16 years and 163 days, Devine broke a club record by becoming their youngest ever player and goalscorer as he came off the bench to net in the 5-0 win over non-league side Marine yesterday.

> The Warrington-born teenager who has made Tottenham Hotspur history in FA Cup

Central midfielder Devine, the son of former St Helens scrum-half Sean Devine, signed for Spurs’ academy from Wigan Athletic in the summer and has trained regularly with the first team ever since.

Mourinho feels that regular exposure to world-class players set him the perfect platform to come on and shine.

“We have to try to create the best conditions for (our young players) to come and to play not feeling the pressure, or huge responsibility,” the Portuguese told Spurs TV.

“So, for Alfie, okay, 16 years old, but through a good process in the Academy, working with us many, many times, even in pre-season, and to come here with the result made at half-time, good conditions for him to feel comfortable and perform, and a little bit of history for him and the club.”

Warrington Guardian: Alfie Devine scores against Marine. Picture by PA WireAlfie Devine scores against Marine. Picture by PA Wire