MOURINHO: GIVE ERIKSEN RESPECT

JOSE MOURINHO says Christian Eriksen can leave with his head held high if he signs for Inter Milan, after ignoring jeers from fans to help Spurs through. Mourinho praised Eriksen for putting in a ‘professional’ performance in last night’s replay, despite being booed when his name was read out over the public address system. Eriksen is the subject of interest from Antonio Conte’s Inter but started last night’s game. Inter have been rebuffed in their first bid for the playmaker. They are understood to have opened with a low offer of around £8.5million and have been told they will have to at least double that figure. Mourinho said the Dane has to ensure he gives his all for Tottenham until his exit is confirmed. ‘He played very well, very professional, which is what I expect from him,’ he said. ‘If his decision is to leave, then he has to leave with his head up. Fans, it’s always about respect. We need to have respect, but the boy did it for us today.’ This victory, courtesy of goals from Argentine duo Giovani Lo Celso and Erik Lamela, means Tottenham will travel to Southampton in the next round. That will see Mourinho cross paths with Andrew Sparkes, the Southampton goalkeeping coach he branded an ‘idiot’ after Spurs’ 1-0 loss at St Mary’s Stadium on New Year’s Day. Asked whether he sees the FA Cup as a chance for revenge, Mourinho said: ‘They are on fire, winning matches home and away, great results. They were in the dark zone and now they are shining. Credit for that.’ Meanwhile, Tottenham are close to confirming Gedson Fernandes as Mourinho’s first signing. He is set to join from Benfica on an 18-month loan deal.