Poch says Spurs will battle on

MAURICIO POCHETTINO insists that Tottenham’s season won’t fall apart again without star striker Harry Kane.

Kane is facing another lengthy injury lay-off after damaging ankle ligaments in the FA Cup quarter-final win over Millwall last Sunday.

Spurs struggled badly without Kane last October and November, going six games without a win.

But Pochettino has no fears of a repeat collapse during the title run-in – with or without the services of 24-goal Kane.

Pochettino (above) said: “It’s true that we will miss Harry as he is one of the best strikers in the world.

“But what can we do now? We can trust in the player that can replace him.

“We are fully confident in the squad and team and we hope that we will games and finish in a very good way.

“And we hope things can be different. Previously when he was out, that

was in a different period. ® But we have improved a lot since then.”

Tottenham host Southampton tomorrow with Heung-Min Son and back-up striker Vincent Janssen vying to start.

Son bagged a hat-trick in the 6-0 FA Cup romp over Millwall while £17m flop Janssen finally scored his first goal from open play.

Pochettino expects the pair to seize their big chance and said: “This is a great opportunity for Vincent and Sonny to play more in the starting 11.

“It’s true that in some period of this season Vincent’s form was down.

“He needed a wake-up to be reminded that the possibility of playing could arrive.

“I’m happy with him and all the players but I understand they are not happy with some situations when not playing. He is motivated, confident and he is feeling a little bit of relief, as scoring his first goal from open play was important.

“I’m happy in the way that he trained this week too.”