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The "One of our Own" chant that has become an anthem among Tottenham fans this season is directed at one player – the all-conquering, free­-scoring Harry Kane.

And given the striking prowess that has earned him an England call­-up by national manager Roy Hodgson for the European Championship qualifier against Lithuania and the prestige friendly against Italy, that is understandable.

Hodgson watched Kane score twice in the 2­-1 win at Loftus Road against Queens Park Rangers a fortnight ago and that performance would surely have rubber­-stamped his inclusion in his squad, even before his hat-trick last weekend against Leicester.

But he would also have left Shepherd's Bush with another name in his notebook – a player to monitor in the weeks and months to come.

Ryan Mason may not grab the headlines like Kane. As a foraging midfielder his job for Spurs does not attract the attention or glamour of a striker. But he was hugely effective at Rangers ... just as he has been all season.

(Image: Shaun Botterill)

Kane may win matches but it is the likes of Mason who lay the foundations. The centre of midfield is no place for the faint­hearted in the modern game – the tackles fly in, space is at a premium and the faint­hearted are soon exposed. Mason has emerged as a key man, no question.

He tackles, he chases and he does not back down. Mightily impressive.

He will be 24 in June so his career at White Hart Lane has taken time to lift off. And his path to the first team bears an uncanny resemblance to Kane's.

Ryan Mason - 2014-15 30 Appearances 3 Goals 3 Assists

Locally­-born in Enfield and farmed out to soccer outposts like Yeovil, Doncaster, Swindon and, like Kane, Millwall.

It was Mauricio Pochettino who spotted Mason's potential during a tour of the United States last summer. The Argentinian manager had come to Spurs with a clean sheet. Everyone would be watched, everybody would have their chance to impress. Mason took that chance.

He has become an integral part of the Spurs team and, though the opportunity has come relatively late, he has made the most of the opportunity.

(Image: Getty)

In January he was given a five-and-half-year contract to secure his future. The wait has been a long one but there is no question Mason is here to stay in the Spurs first team squad. It is becoming increasingly harder for home­grown players to break through at high profile clubs these days.

Mason has shown what can be achieved with the right attitude and application.

The prospect of playing for his country once appeared to be a distant dream. But this time last year, so did a regular place in the Spurs team.

Ryan Mason – like his team­mate Kane – has shown what is possible.

In pictures - QPR 1-2 Tottenham: