Djed Spence says he'll be ready for the call from Tottenham boss Antonio Conte.
Spence says that Conte has been improving him tactically behind the scenes as the young wing-back waits patiently for his first Tottenham start.
The 22-year-old joined Spurs from Middlesbrough in the summer for a fee of £12.5million which could eventually rise to £20million with add-ons. However, he has so far only been handed a couple of minutes of action with two late substitute appearances in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest, the team he helped gain promotion on loan last season, back in August and Everton on Saturday evening.
"I guess it is just something new for me," Spence said on his adaptation. "I have got to learn but I am working hard to improve, working hard to get in the team and hopefully I can get some run of games soon."
When asked what Conte and the coaches have been working with him on in training, the England U21 international said: "Just everything. My whole game generally, tactically as well, so everything in general.
"Definitely my tactical side [has improved since arriving]. I am learning a lot from training and learning a lot from the guys, so I am learning a lot at the moment."
Having caught Conte's eye in training now, the young wide man is hoping for further minutes as Spurs fit in a flurry of matches every three to four days ahead of the winter break for the World Cup.
"I am hopeful [of more game time], but I have just got to be patient and when my time comes I've just got to take it," he admitted.
"I've just got to take it as it comes. It can take time or be quick [to get your chance], so it is what it is.
"I always believe in myself but you never know what happens in football so you've just got to be patient and when the time comes, the time will come."
Spence has been tipped to start for Spurs in their Carabao Cup match against Forest next month but he admits he wants to aim for more than just that.
"I mean I want to play not just in the cup, in the league as well so whether my first start comes in the league or the cup, I've just got to be ready," he said.
"Everyone has welcomed me [to the club]. There is not one specific player. All the team have welcomed me, all the staff, so it has been good. The fans have for sure and you've seen it today. I appreciate the love from everybody."
