Ex-West Brom man could not inspire play-offs - but could finish with European medal

Spurs meet Manchester United in an all-English affair in Bilbao in Europe's second club competition.

At stake is the Europa League title and - perhaps more notably in the long-term - a place in next season's Champions League for the clubs who sit 17th and 16th in the Premier League after diabolical campaigns.

Among the Spurs contingent in the Basque region is striker Lankshear, the forward prospect who has played a role in his club's journey.

The only goal of his senior career came in the first half of the season away to Turkish giants Galatasaray in a heated affair in early November. Lankshear netted early on and was then dismissed for two bookings on the hour in a 3-2 Spurs defeat.

He made two Europa League starts and a further cameo from the bench, as well as three Premier League appearances as a substitute.

Lankshear, who turned 20 last month, spent the final three months of the Championship campaign on loan at Albion.

He did not manage to find the net in blue and white stripes but looked a useful prospect in his 11 appearances for the Baggies, of which just four were starts.

The England under-20 striker helped lay on the winner for fellow frontman and debutant Adam Armstrong in his first Albion appearance against Sheffield Wednesday in February. He caught the eye of supporters as physically capable against Championship defenders and with a decent touch.

But he had to wait until April 12, a rare victory under Tony Mowbray shortly before the head coach's dismissal, for a start. Lankshear starred against the Hornets, left to a standing ovation and continued in the role for key games against Coventry and Derby, but the limp Baggies came unstuck.

Lankshear checked out from The Hawthorns after the final game, a dead-rubber win to relegate Luton, and returned to north London.

He has trained under boss Ange Postecogolou and jetted out to Spain with his Spurs colleagues, who booked their place in the final via a routine 5-1 aggregate success over Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt.

On Postecoglou's staff is Albion-linked assistant coach Ryan Mason. The 33-year-old coach has been mooted as a Baggies target for the head coach role. Albion explored Mason's availability previously, in January. The coach is believed to be content is his position, though there is Spurs uncertainty this summer.

Lankshear could even feature against Ruben Amorim's Red Devils. Europa League regulations permit 12 players on the bench and five substitutions, plus a sixth in extra time.

If Postecoglou's side are successful then 50 gold - winners - medals will be presented for players and staff. There is no cut-off required for minutes or games played to qualify for a medal and clubs can dish out as they see fit.

Alternatively, if United triumph, the losing side will be delivered 50 silver medals.

Lankshear, a former Arsenal product, has a contract at Spurs until 2029.