Having impressed during a few loan spells, Walker returned to Spurs and became a first-team regular, while also earning recognition at international level.

Starting life with Sheffield United he was sent on loan to Northampton Town and made just a few appearances for his parent club before joining Spurs, along with Kyle Naughton, in July 2009.

Immediately loaned back to Sheffield United, he impressed at right-back and was recalled to make his Spurs first-team debut against Portsmouth in March 2010. He soon won his first cap for England at Under-21 level having previously represented his country at Under-19 level.

Unable to break into the first-team, though, he joined QPR on a six-month loan and helped the side to gain promotion to the Premier League with his performances in the first half of the season. The second half saw him loaned to Aston Villa to get a taste of the top flight and, once again, he did not disappoint.

In 2011-12 he established himself as one of Harry Redknapp's first-choice players at Spurs and has been earmarked for a future at the top of the game by club and country.

Strengths: Pace and stamina down the flanks make him the perfect modern-day full-back. His crossing ability is decent as well.

Weaknesses: Positioning could be improved and his rashness will be curbed by experience.

Career high: Walker was named in the Team of the Tournament at the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, despite England's poor showing.

Career low: A loan spell at Northampton saw him unable to break into the Sheffield United side.

Style: Fast, strong, a committed and strong full-back.

Quotes: "His pace is frightening and he does a great job for us both offensively and defensively. We've spoken about a few defensive things he needs to work on, but he will do that.'' Harry Redknapp, 2011.

Trivia: Walker was recommended to the Blades by the Football Unites, Racism Divides (FURD) youth and social inclusion project and charity based in Sheffield aged seven.