NEWPORT teen ace Chris Gunter shone on his debut for Premiership Tottenham Hotspur last night in their 1-0 FA Cup replay win at Reading.

The 18-year old Welsh cap joined the North London outfit on January 1 from Cardiff City for around £1.5 million and was an unused substitute at Chelsea on Saturday.

Boss Juande Ramos chose to deploy his new number 44 from the start last night, selecting him in preference to South Korean international Young-Pyo Lee at left back for the third round clash.

That area has been problematic for Spurs since Wales star Gareth Bale damaged ankle ligaments in early December and Gunter took his chance.

Normally deployed as a right-sided player, Gunter impressed - as the only full international - alongside Pascal Chimbonda, Younes Kaboul and Michael Dawson.

Defensively he was resolute and steadfast, helping Spurs to a rare clean sheet.

Gunter also endeared himself to the large travelling Spurs support with a series of marauding overlapping charges down the flank.

The youngster played the full 90 minutes and was given a standing ovation by supporters after the game.

However, for all his good work Gunter is likely to miss out on a first Premiership start on Saturday when Sunderland visit White Hart Lane.

Lee is set to come back into the side ahead of the Carling Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal as Gunter is cup-tied.