Postecoglou on Van de Ven's return, job scrutiny and transfer plans

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Europa League game against Swedish side Elfsborg (20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Postecoglou confirmed Micky van de Ven should be fit to feature on Thursday night for the first time since early December.

• Centre-back partner Cristian Romero however is "still a slow burner and we're mindful his injury is a bit different" so his return is "not on the horizon at the moment".

• Pape Matar Sarr has "a bit of a niggle" but is available, as is Yves Bissouma. Djed Spence will be "fine" for the weekend but is not part of the Europa League squad.

• James Maddison meanwhile will be out for "two to three weeks" with a calf strain.

• On Van de Ven's return: "We've done everything in our power. Last time, he probably played more than he should have done in his first game. He's ticked every box, he's worked very hard and he's been given clearance by the medical team. At some stage he has play. We just need to manage his minutes."

• Postecoglou addressed the scrutiny surrounding his future as Spurs boss: "It doesn't affect me. It never has - it never will. I don't have to respond to that or get involved with that. We're in a great position to still achieve something really special this year."

• On whether he has got the support he wanted in the transfer window: "Everyone's trying their utmost. I don't think anyone is working against me or wants me to fail. In these type of situations, it's a tough gig being a manager. The people I work with are doing their utmost to help me and the guys through this. My focus is firmly on what I can control."

• Postecoglou said there "isn't anything imminent" in terms of transfers: "That doesn't mean possibilities aren't being explored. The last few days of the window tend to be a bit frenetic. I expect us to be involved in that. "

• On how Swedish teenager Lucas Bergvall has coped in Tottenham's first team: "Outstandingly well. We lose sight of the fact he's only 18 years old and his previous experience was in the Swedish league. For him to take such massive responsibility on his shoulders has been outstanding. As tough as this run has been, we get so much benefit from the likes of him and Archie [Gray]."

Follow all of Wednesday's European news conferences and the rest of the day's football news