Glenn Hoddle: Why Tottenham will need Ryan Mason

Glenn Hoddle believes Ryan Mason will have a big role to play in Tottenham Hotspur’s remaining games this season.

The England midfielder scored on his first start at White Hart Lane since November on Thursday night as he made the breakthrough in the second leg against Fiorentina.

Erik Lamela doubled the north London side’s lead before Gonzalo Rodriguez’s own goal sealed a 4-1 aggregate win for the hosts.

Mason has spent most of the season sidelined with injury and has fallen down the pecking order under Mauricio Pochettino following the emergence of Dele Alli and Eric Dier.

However, former Tottenham manager Hoddle believes 24-year-old Mason has a vital role to play in the Premier League and the Europa League for the remainder of the season.

“It was wonderful support play from midfield and he had the calmness to open his body up,” Hoddle told ITV Sport.

“I’m really pleased for him. He has been out and he has been so frustrated this year. He has had so many injuries.

“It would be good to see him come back and stay fit. Tottenham need him with all the games coming up.”

Tottenham host Swansea City in the Premier League at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

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Spurs were drawn against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League last 16 in Friday’s draw.