Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has praised the attitude of Andros Townsend after the winger made a special request to play for the club's under-21s against Middlesbrough on Monday.

Townsend, 24, was banished from the first team by Pochettino last month for rowing with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner.

But despite having returned to the fold, the England international remained on the bench against West Ham and Qarabag, before being left out completely against Chelsea on Sunday.

"Andros was out of the squad and he asked to play in the under-21s against Middlesbrough. He asked to play," Pochettino said.

"It is a very good thing because the player was out for many weeks. It is a very good attitude to want to play for the under-21s, to keep working hard and keep his level and physical condition.

"Has he learned his lesson? Yes. It is not an issue. He is still young, he has a big future in football, here or at another club. You always need to learn in football."

Andros Townsend has struggled for first-team football this season. Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Tottenham face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday and will be without midfielder Ryan Mason.

Mason sustained an ankle injury in the 0-0 draw against Chelsea and is expected to be out for around two weeks.

Nabil Bentaleb and Nacer Chadli are close to recovery, but a return against Monaco in the Europa League next Thursday is more likely.