Spurs youngster: Olympics ideal preparation for the Premier League

Tottenham defender Steven Caulker’s Olympic dream may be over but he is hopeful that his performances have put him in Andre Villas-Boas’ first-team plans.

Team GB crashed out to South Korea in a manner befitting England at tournament football – a penalty shoot-out defeat.

But the 20-year-old, who supported Brentford as a boy, believes it has been ideal preparation ahead of the new season.

“The Olympics has been the perfect way for me to show the new manager what I can do and to make sure I am not out of sight,” Caulker said.

The defender, who spent last season on loan at Swansea, is excited by the appointment of the former Chelsea manager.

“He seems a very interesting guy with lots of great ideas,” Caulker added.

“It’s a big positive for the club and he seems to put his trust in the young lads.”