Nabil Bentaleb surprised by Tottenham Hotspur involvement

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Nabil Bentaleb has admitted that he was surprised to be handed his first-team debut last month.

The 19-year-old defender has played a total of six times for Spurs following Tim Sherwood's appointment as manager before Christmas.

Bentaleb's last appearance for the North London club came on January 19 during their 3-1 win at Swansea City in the Premier League.

"I didn't expect that at all," Bentaleb told L'Equipe. "Everything happened so quickly. Tim Sherwood was my coach with the Under-21 team. He knows me well and I know what he expects from his players."

Tottenham continue their Premier League campaign tonight (Wednesday) when they play host to Manchester City.