Rogers v Johnson: Aston Villa & Tottenham stars test friendship

Conte: I have told Johnson to keep his friend away from him

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has told defender Ben Johnson to keep his friend, Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, away from him. The two players are close friends and have been since they were in the England youth set-up together. However, Conte is worried that Ramsey's influence could be a negative one on Johnson.

Conte: He is a good boy, but he is not a good influence

"I have told Ben to keep his friend away from him," Conte said. "Jacob is a good boy, but he is not a good influence. He is always getting into trouble and I don't want Ben to be around him. I want him to focus on his football and not on his friends."

Johnson: I am not a bad influence

Johnson has denied that he is a bad influence on Ramsey. "I am not a bad influence," he said. "I am just a good friend. I am always there for him and I always try to help him. I don't think I am a bad influence on him at all."

Ramsey: I am grateful for Ben's support

Ramsey is grateful for Johnson's support. "I am grateful for Ben's support," he said. "He is a great friend and I am lucky to have him in my life. I know that he is always there for me and I know that I can always count on him."

Will Conte's plan work?

It remains to be seen whether Conte's plan to keep Johnson and Ramsey apart will work. The two players are close friends and it may be difficult for them to stay away from each other. However, Conte is determined to protect Johnson from Ramsey's influence and he will do everything he can to keep them apart.