Stephen Astwood has received a pat on the back from one of the top names in English football following his recent trial spell in the country.

Astwood, who was given a run out at First Division Portsmouth and Premier side side Spurs, did not pick up a contract during his stay but comments from Spurs' director of football David Pleat should give the PHC frontman an incentive to persevere.

Pleat, who led Luton Town to a League Cup victory over Arsenal in the 1980s and is now working at White Hart Lane with Spurs' boss Glenn Hoddle, told The Royal Gazette: "Astwood played against Ipswich reserves and looked very promising."

The player was joined at the London club by fellow Bermudians Dennis Russell and Raymond Beach and Pleat said all had "acquitted themselves well".

"Beach and Russell enjoyed the experience and their behaviour was exemplary," Pleat said.

Astwood has been on trial in England before as he sought to become a professional player. He was offered a two-year deal at Preston North End of the First Division, but at the time Bermudians needed a work permit to be able to take up employment in the UK. He also had a stint at Scottish club Livingstone.