Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says Troy Parrott will again be on the bench for Wednesday’s FA Cup tie at home to Norwich City.
The Republic of Ireland international, 18, is Spurs’ only fit striker with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min injured.
But despite calls for Mourinho to play him, he has only used Parrott twice in brief substitute appearances.
“We’re taking good care of a young player and also taking care of a young boy in society,” said Mourinho.
“That’s a process. He’s 18. One month ago he was 17, so he’s not even close to being 19.”
Parrott came on in the 89th minute of Sunday’s 3-2 home defeat by Wolves in the Premier League, which left Tottenham seventh, five points off the top four, and the Dublin striker is yet to start a Premier League match.
However, Mourinho is not prepared to throw him in from the start against the Canaries, insisting he is more concerned about the player’s overall development.
“Troy has qualities,” the Portuguese said. “He has potential but he’s not an end product. He has a lot to learn, a lot to develop at every level.
“He’s going to be on the bench again. He already has two Premier League appearances which is not normal for an 18-year-old kid. He’s a privileged one.”
Trailing 1-0 to RB Leipzig from the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, the FA Cup appears Tottenham’s most realistic chance of silverware this season.
But Mourinho, who replaced Mauricio Pochettino as manager in November, does not believe a trophyless season would constitute failure on his part.
He added: “I come in mid-season, I come with the train midway, so because of so many difficult circumstances I wouldn’t feel it at all.”
(BBC Sport)
