THOMAS FRANK has hinted Tottenham attacker Mathys Tel is unlikely to leave the club in the January transfer window.

Former Bayern Munich forward Tel has been linked with a loan departure this month, but was handed a first start since October 19 in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland and put in a promising display on the left wing.

Days after Brennan Johnson was sold to Crystal Palace, and with Mohammed Kudus (left leg) a doubt for tomorrows trip to Bournemouth, Frank was asked if 20-year-old Tel would need to leave to get the minutes his development requires.

Frank said: “I think it’s pretty fair to say that we are maybe a little bit short on offensive options.

“I think also it’s fair, there’s no one who’s really grabbed that shirt on the left-hand side, so I think that’s definitely up for grabs. I think it was a positive performance from Mathys. I think he did some positive things and got into good situations.

“Let’s see what will happen against Bournemouth, but it’s also that fine balance of giving some players the trust for a run of games, so they can maybe hopefully find a bit of rhythm and also increase their performance level.

“Then the tactical approach of the opponents, which players fit to that and get the right mix and balance in the team, but Matty in general was positive.”

After a midweek trip to Dean Court, Spurs return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday for an FA Cup third-round tie at home to Aston Villa, but Frank confirmed he will not rotate.

“For me, it’s head down and focus on the next one,” Frank said. “The FA Cup is also hugely important. Both games will be treated very, very importantly.

“If there’s rotation, then it’s because of rotation of getting freshness and energy into the team and that will be the main focus.”

Frank also paid tribute to opposite number Andoni Iraola despite Bournemouth being on a 10-match winless run.

“I think Iraola has done a top job down there. First and foremost being part of creating an interesting team,” Frank added.

“They play a very aggressive pressing game. One of the best pressing teams in the league if not the best.

“They have a very lively front four no matter who plays, so that’s where we need to be good and compete, but also be smart.”