Mauricio Pochettino: Dele Alli naughty but nice

Mauricio Pochettino admits Dele Alli is “a little bit naughty” — but wants his young midfielder to stay that way.

The 19-year-old England international could have easily been sent off in Tottenham’s 1-1 Europa League draw at Fiorentina on Thursday night after kicking out at an opponent.

Now he is ready to go up against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup fifth round at White Hart Lane tomorrow, just a month after being accused of stamping on Yohan Cabaye.