The Lilywhites hosted Newcastle United on Saturday but with a sickness bug piling on top of a mountain of injuries and suspensions, Ange Postecoglou was forced to make yet more changes to his side.
One of those changes was the inclusion of Austin in the starting XI thanks to Guglielmo Vicario’s long-term injury and Fraser Forster falling prey to illness.
Despite being 25 years old, this was Austin’s first-ever senior appearance for Spurs, with his only previous first-team football coming on loan at Viborg in 2020 and Orlando City in 2021 — totalling 19 games combined.
Although Spurs lost 2-1, Austin still impressed with two quality saves, as well as four high claims, 10 recoveries and two sweeper ‘keeper actions.
“Not the result we wanted but we will keep working,” Austin wrote on Instagram after the game, in which he was named Man of the Match by broadcaster TNT Sports, who showed the game live in the UK.
He added: “Nevertheless, a proud day for me personally. Thank you for all of your support.”
James Maddison pays tribute to Brandon Austin
Teammate Maddison paid tribute to Austin on social media after the game.
“Buzzing for you brother. Deserved debut out there today! Proud of ya,” Maddison wrote on his Instagram story.
Despite being furious at some refereeingdecisions, Postecoglou still paid tribute to his players after the match.
The Australian was asked specifically about Austin and while he said the goalkeeper was ‘great’, he decided to praise his entire squad.
“Yeah, he was great. Everyone was great, unbelievable,” he said (via Football.London). “Considering what we had to put up with.
“Radu [Dragusin] and Archie [Gray] literally got off sickbeds to play today, and Radu was shattered at half-time. Brandon, obviously we found out yesterday was playing. I can’t be prouder of the players, I’m just angry and disappointed it wasn’t football that denied them getting the rewards today.”
