Winks insists he isn't Tottenham's 'sicknote' after injury struggles last season

Tottenham and England midfielder Harry Winks has insisted his promising career won't be derailed by injuries.

However, fighting fit ahead of his club's pre-season friendly against Juventus in Singapore on Sunday, Winks is adamant he won't have the long-term problems that bedevilled another English hope Jack Wilshere or, worse still, be dubbed Sicknote like ex-Spurs international Darren Anderton.

'Last year I played 41 times, the most I've played since I made my debut,' says a defiant Winks, whose also suffered from ankle problems in 2018 to prevent Gareth Southgate taking him to Russia

'Yeah, it was difficult towards the end of last season. I got a bit of an injury to my hip and had surgery. It was only minor and going into this season, I'm feeling good.

'The perception is frustrating. People say to me I didn't play as much last year but at one point I'd had the most games in the team.'

Both Mauricio Pochettino and Gareth Southgate have championed Wicks who has the passing range and mobility not commonly seen in English midfielders.

Significantly, Pochettino chose to start him in the Champions League final defeat against Liverpool even though been out for the previous two months.

Winks, a chirpy character born in Spurs-supporting Hertfordshire, baulks at any suggestion his career path might be dented over the next five years as has happened to Wilshere.

'No, not at all,' he says firmly. 'I've had some unfortunate injuries but that's football. Every player can get them. I've put it to the back of my head and have no ongoing problems.

'As long as I can keep my body on top of things and get the right amount of rest and recovery, things will take care of themselves.'

A fit and firing Winks will be the first name on Poch's teamsheet this season along with another Harry - Kane.

His progression from the Spurs academy convinced Spurs to let Mousa Dembele move to China and also make Victor Wanyama available.

This term, his new midfield partner will be £63million record signing Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon, a real statement by Spurs after three transfer windows without signing anyone.

According to Winks, it's part of a regeneration that every successful club needs, and has also seen stalwarts like Kieran Trippier move on.

'The gaffer has proven he can develop players from the academy and it's time now to freshen it up a bit,' argues Winks. 'If we gel together like the last two seasons, I'm sure we can have another fantastic season.

'Getting to the Champions League final was a massive achievement. I tried to clear my head on holiday (Dubai and America) about the result. When you get a sniff of something big like that, you want more.'

This could be a defining season for Winks who recently signed a new five-year contract. Spurs play a first full season at their impressive White Hart Lane stadium and next summer he'll try to help England become European champions on home soil.

Given Spurs can't compete financially with the rest of the Big Six, Pochettino has worked hard to build a strong unity within his squad.

Though Winks was at home injured when Spurs dramatically beat Ajax to reach the Champions League final, he immediately FaceTimed team-mates Michel Vorm and Kyle Walker-Peters in Amsterdam so he could “join in” the dressing-room celebrations.

'The boys talked to me and showed me the scenes. It was emotional and a fantastic gesture to make me feel part of it,' he says. 'It shows how the players are and the family atmosphere the gaffer has built.'

Integrating Ndombele, who only speaks limited English, will be important, with fellow Frenchmen Moussa Sissoko and Hugo Lloris important as conduits.

From what he has seen on tour, Winks is impressed by the new recruit. 'He's only young himself. When players like him arrive, it does bring a lift. It's nice to have fresh faces to challenge and push everyone else to another level,' explains Winks.

'I am sure he will slot in fine but it is important the rest of us make him feel comfortable because settling into the Premier League can be difficult.'