Spurs' Wonderkid John Bostock Scores Twice on His Debut for Brentford

Willie Gannon by Senior Writer Written on November 15, 2009
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 14:  John Bostock of Brentford battles for the ball with Tony Craig of Millwall during the Coca-Cola League One match between Brentford and Millwall at Griffin Park on November 14, 2009 in London, England.  (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Tottenham's on-loan John Bostock scored a remarkable double on his debut for Brentford, as the Bees drew 2-2 with Millwall. And he was then described as a "young Zinedine Zidane" by Brentford's boss, Andy Scott.

The Spurs youngster is expected to have a bright future at White Hart Lane, only signed for Brentford on Friday after the two clubs came to an agreement concerning a three-month loan deal.

Bostock put Brentford ahead with a sweet finish in the ninth minute. He forced his way past Tony Craig before finding the bottom corner with a sublime finish from outside the box.

Unfortunately for the Bees, Millwall drew level in the 15th minute through Paul Robinson with a close0range header.

Bostock then added his second direct from a corner after he curled his set piece right into the top corner of the near post. It was a fantastic piece of skill that caught Millwall on the hop, as the Bees went ahead 2-1.

Brentford were only denied the win they deserved in the 88th minute as James Henry fired home to secure a draw for Millwall.

After the match, Andy Scott had this to say about the Spurs youngster, "John's a special player. Any lad who's bought for big money at 15 has got to have something.

"He's physically strong, and has outstanding vision. After seeing him in training, the lads thought he was Zidane!

"He took his two goals really well."

His achievement is all the more remarkable when you realise that this game was the first time Bostock has ever completed 90 minutes at senior level.

Harry Redknapp, Tottenham Hotspur's manager, is said to be delighted with the progress Bostock is making but felt the young player needed some first-team experience before being involved with Spurs' first team, hence the loan move to Brentford.

The now 17-year-old made his debut in late 2007 for Crystal Palace at the tender age of 15 before Spurs came in and signed him after playing only four games.

The move to White Hart Lane infuriated Palace owner Simon Jordan, who then threatened to cancel Bostock's father's season ticket with Palace after the teen-ager agreed terms with Spurs.

Initially, the two clubs could not come to an agreement over the fee for Bostock, and the case was sent before a tribunal ,who it must be said, found in Tottenham's favour, especially when you consider the youngster's skill and potential.

The tribunal declared that Tottenham would pay £700,000 for Bostock, with add-on payments of up to £1.25m dependent on appearances and a further £200,000 should he make his full international debut.

A sell-on clause entitles Crystal Palace to 15 percent of any profit Tottenham makes from any future sale of Bostock's contract.

The powerfully built midfielder has captained England U-17s as well as Spurs' Academy team, and was influential as Tottenham won their league section last season, only to be beaten to the title by Arsenal after a playoff.

Bostock has yet to play a league game for Spurs, but has played three times in Europe, making him not only the youngest player ever to play for Crystal Palace, but Tottenham too.

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written on November 15, 2009 Breaking News

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