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Rob Guest

George Marsh's Leyton Orient loan spell, a new position and Tottenham training match appearance

Tottenham fans will have noticed a couple of unfamiliar faces during the team's training match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday afternoon.

With the club down to play their first Premier League game in over three months when they host Manchester United on Friday, June 19, Jose Mourinho's squad split into two for a warm-up game at their home.

Decked out in this season's home and away strips, a couple of the youngsters were spotted taking part in the match as the players stepped up their preparations ahead of the visit of the Red Devils.

Academy graduates Harvey White and George Marsh were both involved in the match as they played alongside the likes of Son Heung-min, Moussa Sissoko and Toby Alderweireld in the team's secondary colours.

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Whereas White has remained in north London this season, Marsh has managed to get some valuable first-team experience under his belt after spending the campaign on loan with League Two side Leyton Orient.

But how did he do during his spell across the capital? football.london takes a look

Marsh's year in League Two

Spurs have not had a good year when it's come to sending players out on loan.

A number of those sent elsewhere have just not featured on a regular basis and not developed as a result, with Jack Clarke the notable example after making eight appearances in total for Leeds United and QPR.

However, that cannot be said about Marsh who has been one of the few success stories from the big number of players who were sent out on loan.

The 21-year-old made 29 appearances in all competitions for Orient and he became a key member of their team on their return to the Football League.

Marsh was mainly used in the holding role in midfield to begin with, before later switching to right-back midway through the campaign.

Perhaps not his natural position given he is a midfielder by trade, his experience of playing in the role for Spurs' academy sides ensured that it was a comfortable transition for the youngster.

George Marsh during the training match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Marsh didn't manage to score during his time in east London but he did like to pick up a yellow card after finding himself in the referee's book on nine occasions.

What Marsh said on his Orient experience

"I’ve really enjoyed my first year in senior football," he told Tottenham's official website. "It took a little bit of adaptation to start off with, but I don’t feel like it took me long to settle in.

"For me, I’ve really learned this year how to adjust because quite a big element of the football in League Two is the physical part, so I’ve had to learn how to adapt my game to meet the demands of how physical it is.

"Having to play a lot of weeks on a Tuesday night and then another game on a Saturday is very demanding so you have to make sure you’re always recovering properly, so you know by the Saturday you’re 100 per cent ready to go again for another 90 minutes.

"It’s been good gaining experience from a lot of experienced players as well, top professionals who have played lots of games in the Football League.

"I’m really thankful to everyone at the club for everything they’ve done for me."

What Marsh said about playing as a right-back

"It’s been good for me to operate in different areas of the pitch,” added the youngster. "I played the first part of the season in midfield and then towards the end I played at right-back, which I feel was good for me to show some variety in my game.

"Again, I had to find a way to adapt my performances so that I could stay as a regular in the team. It’s been an invaluable experience for me."

What Orient boss Ross Embleton said about the youngster

"Having known George since he was 10 or 11, I knew he had the characteristics to come into our club and make a mark," the Orient boss told the club's official website.

"It was in extremely tough circumstances that he came into the club, but I feel as though he became a strong member of the team, and when he looks back it will be a strong period of his career, making over 25 appearances.

"We thank him for everything he’s done and wish him all the best with the future."

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