Andros Townsend: Spurs chief Daniel Levy still believes in me even if Mauricio Pochettino doesn't

Mauricio Pochettino relegated the winger – who joined Newcastle United this week in a £12million deal – to the club’s Under-21 squad after a row with a fitness coach.

And the England international – who hasn’t kicked a ball in the Premier League since mid-October – is keen to make up for lost time at struggling Newcastle.

Asked about the incident with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner, the 24-year-old said: “I think that’s done and dusted now.

“There was an incident with the fitness coach, but the next time I saw him, we laughed about it and shook hands and just let it go.

“The club disciplined me, and after a week I was training with the first team and on the bench again. I don’t think that had any bearing on my exclusion from the first-team squad for the last three or four months.”

Townsend insists he does not hold a “grudge” against Pochettino, whose side are fourth in the Premier League.

“The manager has a 25-man squad and can only play 11,” he said. “He has had no problem with me on a personal level.

“He made his decision professionally, which obviously I do not agree with, but Tottenham are flying high.

“I can’t really argue with him. I hold no grudges with the manager.”

Asked if he had heard from Pochettino, Townsend added: “Unfortunately, the first team were in Barcelona when I left, so I didn’t manage to speak to them.

“But the chairman (Levy) did call me and wish me all the best for the future, and say I would be welcome back at the club any time.

“That was nice of him. It did not end well, the way I left. But I know the chairman still believes in me. I leave with a heavy heart.”