Tottenham 3 Limassol 0: I’ve always had faith in Kane, says Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino underlined his faith in Harry Kane after the striker helped fire Tottenham Hotspur past Limassol and into the Europa League group stage.

Kane made amends for squandering a sixth-minute penalty on the stroke of half-time as the England Under-21 international slotted a low finish past goalkeeper Pulpo Romero in the second leg of the play-off tie at White Hart Lane.

I always believed in Harry since the first day…

Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham improved after half-time, and Paulinho put the north London side 4-1 ahead on aggregate before Andros Townsend added a third on the night from the penalty spot in 66th minute.

“It is football,” said Pochettino. “It is possible to miss the penalty but it is not important. The important thing is that he scored, he played [well] and it didn’t affect his performance.

“His reaction was good. He showed the character and the personality. He is a very strong mind and Harry is a very good player, too.”

Asked if Kane could prevent Spurs from dipping into the market to sign another striker, Pochettino added: “I always believed in Harry since the first day…”

Tottenham can qualify for next season’s Champions League if they win the Europa League – and Pochettino added that a club of Spurs’ stature should always be aiming to go deep into European competition.

“Always when Tottenham enter the competition we need to go as far as possible. We try, step by step,” Pochettino added.