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It took just a matter of minutes in the company of Mauricio Pochettino for Kieran Tripper to be convinced that his future lay at Tottenham.

The defender was part of the Burnley team relegated last season and it was clear the 25-year-old would be sold after an impressive season when his ability showed he was more than at ease with the demands of the Premier League.

Several clubs had shown an interest but once the Bury-born right-back met Spurs manager Pochettino, he knew his destination.

Tripper played against Spurs four times last season – twice in the league and twice in the FA Cup after Burnley drew 1-1 at Turf Moor and then lost the replay 4-2 at White Hart Lane.

Pochettino liked what he saw and Spurs moved in with a £3.5 million bid that was accepted by Burnley and with a career move that Trippier found more than acceptable.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters / Matthew Childs)

“He wanted me to come here,” said Trippier. “I liked the way he spoke to me, the way he wanted me to play. It was the way he talked and said how much he liked me as a player.

"He had watched me. Everything he said made an impression …. I just knew straight away I wanted to come here. He is an unbelievable manager.

"He told me the expectations he had for me. I didn't have to think twice after I met him. There was never a 50-50 choice.

“There were a couple of clubs that were interested but as soon as I sat down with the gaffer here, that was it – I had made my decision.”

Trippier's class – he had one of the few from the Manchester City FA Youth Cup winning team of 2008 to make the grade – ensured he was an ever-present at Burnley.

Competition for places at Spurs ensured there was no automatic selection at White Hart Lane.

(Image: David Price)

Trippier looks certain to start in the FA Cup third round tie at home to Leicester this afternoon – but he has a considerable rival for the right-back spot in Kyle Walker with whom to contend.

But Trippier was aware of that obstacle when he joined. “I expected I,” he said. “I knew Walks before I even came here and I knew it would be tough competing for the right back spot.

I will just keep going and when I am called upon, I will just try my best and give 100 per cent.”

Tripper is heartened by Spurs push in the Premier League and by their on-going commitment in the Europa League plus the prospect of an FA Cup run – a competition in which he has never tasted life beyond the third round.

“There were a lot of games in the group stages of the Europa League and we are now going to play Fiorentina,” said Trippier. “Hopefully I will get minutes there. And I got my chance against Watford in the Premier League.”

Trippier's rise from a fringe player at The Etihad to the Premier League is testament to his determination.

He was loaned first to Barnsley and then Burnley – so his career was apparently going in the wrong direction. But he was always confident in himself.

“There was a little bit of disappointment when City were willing to sell me,” he said. “When the money came into the club,I just thought it was the right time for me to go either permanently on loan.”

Burnley – then managed by Eddie Howe – wanted to sign him full-time and Trippier said: “I didn't even have to think about it. I didn't want to go back to a club where I wasn't really wanted and I wasn't going to get my opportunity.

"But I always knew in my head I could get back up there.”

And the triumphant City youth team ? “I don't think the majority are even playing now. There were some top quality players as well. They are doing bits and pieces, not in football professionally.”

But Daniel Sturridge was one that made good. And in the months to come their paths may cross again.