MASON THE DREAM

Spurs-bound Melia has no issue with big time spotlight

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

MASON MELIA insists he thrives off the special attention he gets from opposition players both here and in Europe.

If he wasn't such a marked man, the teenage sensation fears he wouldn't be doing his job properly and that's why he is ready for whatever Besiktas throw at him tonight.

By now, the 17-year-old striker is well versed in the school of hard knocks having been a fixture in the Saints first team since the age of 15.

He is battle hardened after that prolonged exposure to men's football and has impressed to such an extent that Tottenham have already signed him.

He will move over there in January for an initial fee of close to €2m that could soar to over €4m depending on various performance related add-ons.