Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky paid a personal tribute to Ludek Miklosko ahead of England’s game against Czechia.

West Ham hero Miklosko, who died this month at the age of 64, had a great influence on Kinsky’s early career as an agent and mentor.

'Probably from the age of 10-18, then he left the agency to become sporting director at Banik Ostrava and I left as well,' said the 23-year-old Spurs keeper.

'He was one of those people who I really respected and admired. For what he achieved in football and especially in life. He was an honest, kind and respectful person.'

Miklosko’s death after a battle with cancer was confirmed as Spurs prepared for a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool.

'He is very inspiring,' said Kinsky. 'He had huge experience and was someone I trusted. He was someone apart from my family who I discussed all the big, important decisions in my football career, especially when I was young, aged 14-15 and I had some offers to join big European clubs.

'Eventually I didn’t because I believed I had a bigger chance to get to the highest level if I get to professional football firstly in the Czech Republic and after I become the best here to go abroad.

'It was a big decision, and he was part of it, and he was there for more things like this.

'He also organised a lot of summer goalkeeper camps in the Czech Republic with goalkeeper coaches from Premier League teams and other clubs. This was a great thing for us young kids who were dreaming about getting to European football, to see what the training there look like. He did so much for everyone.'

Kinsky’s father Antonin is a former keeper who played in the Czech and Russian leagues and won international caps and whose career overlapped with Miklosko’s.

The pioneering Miklosko was 28 years old when he left Banik Ostrava for West Ham in 1990 and remained in London until his career ended with three years at Queens Park Rangers.

He had retired by the time Kinsky junior was born in 2003 but remained an icon in Czech football and an inspiration for goalkeepers who followed his footsteps, including Pavel Srnicek and Petr Cech.

'All those are great keepers,' said Kinsky. 'It’s why they were able to get to Premier league and make an impact. Petr Cech also gave me huge motivation and inspiration.'

The three Czechia goalkeepers in the squad to face Thomas Tuchel’s team on Tuesday have strong connections to English football.

Lukas Hornicek is at Newcastle and Matej Hovar of PSV Eindhoven spent five years at Manchester United from the age of 18 and had spells on loan at Swindon and Burton Albion.