Caulker backs ´humble´ Lloris

Tottenham defender Steven Caulker has praised Hugo Lloris’ attitude, despite the goalkeeper finding himself on the bench early this season.

France captain Lloris moved to White Hart Lane for a reported fee of 15 million euros in the off-season, but was only handed his first English Premier League start in Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, after some impressive form from veteran Brad Friedel.

But Caulker has hailed Lloris’ attitude, explaining how he has tried to gel with his new colleagues since his arrival.

“He’s been very humble, he’s been a good character amongst the boys,” Caulker told reporters.

“He’s had to be patient as well with Brad playing fantastically well, so the gaffer gave him the nod for his first Premier League start and he did really well.

“Hugo’s learning English and he’s coming along really well. He made a fantastic save (from Gabriel Agbonlahor) when they had a one on one and he’s really proving his worth.

“My French isn’t great but the communication was fine. He understands the English that he needs to know and he was very vocal.”

The young defender has found himself an unlikely regular amongst Andre Villas-Boas’ starting XI in recent weeks, and insisted his confidence is growing as the players go into the international break.

“The main thing now is that I’m going into the international break having played in the team,” he said.

“I’ve played in a few games now and my confidence is up. I have a couple of big games for the Under-21s but I’m confident that we can get two wins there.

“We’ve had a few injuries and that has given me the opportunity. When I came back (from a loan spell at Swansea last season) the manager said I was in his plans so I have to trust that and be patient, and so far it has worked well.

“It’s a fantastic squad. The manager has come in, he’s brought a few youngsters in, myself included, and he has pushed a few of us forward. It’s a good mood amongst the camp and I hope that continues.

“You want to know that if you are playing well and you’re training well you will be in the team. It’s not nice when there are favourites. I think AVB has brought that into the team and I’m happy.”