Seeing double

Matthew and Michael Craig made history last night as they became the first identical twins to appear in a first team matchday squad for Spurs.

They were both named on the bench for Spurs’ 1-0 defeat against Paços de Ferreira in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off, first leg.

Born in Barnet two minutes apart, the 18 year olds have enjoyed decent game time at Under-18 level over the past couple of seasons and have now made the step up to the Under-23s. Both play in the centre of midfield although Matthew, the younger of the two, has filled in a centre back on occasion.

They have both been given squad numbers for the first time, with Matthew receiving the No. 51 and Michael wearing No. 52.

Both players are Scotland youth internationals, qualifying through both of their grandfathers (including former Notts County striker, Ron Still – their father also played non-league football).

Things could have been very different, however, with the siblings playing across the North London divide at Under-12 level – while Matthew played for Spurs, Michael played for Arsenal. Michael joined his brother in lilywhite a year later and they haven’t been apart since.

Although they didn’t get on the pitch last night, their involvement in the match day squad suggests that both are held in high regard by the Spurs management. They could yet follow in the footsteps of fellow youth prospects Dane Scarlett, Alfie Devine and Nile John who have all made their first team debuts over the past year.