Troy Parrott "needs time to develop" to be a viable alternative to Harry Kane, says Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho.
The young Ireland striker came on a substitute for Spurs in their 5-0 thumping of Burnley last weekend and was an unused sub in their midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munch.
Many fans have called for Mourinho to give Parrot a chance during the hectic run of fixtures over the Christmas period that could put a strain on talisman Harry Kane.
But the Portuguese manager has dampened expectations that Parrott could be used to give the England captain a rest.
"It's a sign of matches and matches," Mourinho said. "Am I going to give him a rest on December 26 as we have a match after two days?
"No, I'm not going to give (Kane) a rest. There are matches and matches.
"The Munich match was one of these ones when the result was secondary, but when the result is fundamental...number nine is Harry and Parrott.
"Parrott is a 17-year-old boy that played five minutes in the Premier League and we'll give him more time.
"He needs more time to develop and so, yes, Harry is fundamental for us."
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