Kyle Walker-Peters believes he has already faced the toughest mental hurdle of his career even though he is just 21.

The right-back was handed his first Champions League start in dream circumstances as Tottenham went to the Nou Camp trying to secure their progression to the next stage.

But it quickly turned into a nightmare as he was robbed of possession inside the opening 10 minutes by Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele, who raced clear and scored.

He later picked up a booking and then was sacrificed in the second half as Spurs chased an equaliser that ultimately secured a last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.

It came just 24 hours after signing a new five-year contract and Walker-Peters believes producing such a high-profile mistake will be as tough as it gets in his career.

ā€œI learnt a lot about myself,ā€ he said. ā€œTwo seconds after making the mistake, I was thinking, ā€˜You know, make sure you donā€™t die on the pitch!ā€™

ā€œBut I think I went on to actually play quite well. I think Iā€™ve got a good amount of mental toughness, to be able to do that. But again, itā€™s all a learning curve for me.

ā€œEspecially coming in the Champions League, in a stadium like that against such a good team. To be able to look past thatā€¦ also with the help of my team-mates straight away.

Ousmane Dembele robbed Walker-Peters of possession before scoring in the Nou Camp
Ousmane Dembele robbed Walker-Peters of possession before scoring in the Nou Camp (Emilio Morenatti/PA)

ā€œDanny Rose came straight over to me and said, ā€˜Keep goingā€™. Harry Kane as well, he said a few things to me. As we went to take the kick-off he just said, ā€˜Keep going. Thereā€™s plenty of timeā€™.

ā€œThat gave me confidence and thatā€™s why I went on to play quite well.

ā€œItā€™s always going to happen once in your career. Now itā€™s happened I feel like I know how to deal with it. If it ever happens again ā€“ touch wood it doesnā€™t ā€“ Iā€™ll know how to respond.ā€

With Kieran Trippier having to manage a groin problem and Serge Aurier also suffering from injury, Walker-Peters could get plenty of game-time as Spursā€™ punishing fixture schedule continues.

Boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted Walker-Peters is a full part of his squad and he could get the nod in Wednesdayā€™s Carabao Cup game at rivals Arsenal.

ā€œIf I get the opportunity, of course Iā€™d be buzzing to play in the north London derby,ā€ he said. ā€œI saw another young player do it a few weeks ago ā€“ Juan (Foyth) ā€“ and he did really well.

ā€œIf I get the opportunity, Iā€™d be really buzzing. All I can do is appreciate that (Pochettinoā€™s comments).

ā€œThat starts on the training pitch by showing him every day that Iā€™m willing to keep working, keep improving. Those words from the gaffer always help, especially as a young player hearing your manager has faith in you.ā€