FOOTBALL DIGEST

ALLI READY TO BE A LEADER, INSISTS POCH

DELE ALLI has grown up and is no longer the loose cannon he once was, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has claimed. Alli’s past indiscretions include aiming a middle-figure salute at England teammate Kyle Walker. But Pochettino says the 22-year-old (above), who was given the captain’s armband against Watford in the Carabao Cup, is ready to become a leader. ‘He is more mature,’ Pochettino said. ‘When you are young, you do some crazy things but he has grown up.’ Spurs could play at Milton Keynes again if they get another home tie in the competition as the FA are worried about the pitch at Wembley. Meanwhile, Watford will appeal Christian Kabasele’s red card against Spurs. MANCHESTER CITY captain Vincent Kompany has pledged to donate all the profits from his testimonial match next August to the city’s homeless. The defender, 32, said all proceeds will go to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s Homelessness Fund. DEMARAI GRAY’S ankle injury is not serious but the winger could be out for up to six weeks, Leicester boss Claude Puel has revealed. Gray, 22, suffered the injury during the Carabao Cup victory over Wolves on Tuesday.