Pochettino: It’s lift-off for Llorente

Mauricio Pochettino tipped Fernando Llorente to grow in confidence after the Spaniard finally broke his Tottenham goal duck at the 17th attempt.

Llorente, the £14million summer signing from Swansea, got off the mark against Cypriot champions Apoel Nicosia in last night’s 3-0 Champions League Group H win.

Serge Aurier’s 20thminute cross was behind Llorente (pictured), but he expertly turned his marker and guided his shot past Apoel keeper Nauzet Perez. “It’s important for him,” admitted Spurs boss Pochettino.

“When you are a striker you need to feel the net. Of course players need time to adapt, when you arrive at a new team with no pre-season you need time to find your best level.

“It’s difficult to play 20 or 30 minutes, it’s important for him to feel he can cope for 90 minutes.

“He is a player who is going to help the team a lot. He has been helping a lot but now with more confidence and belief he is going to help more.”

Son Heung-min exchanged passes with Llorente on the edge of the area before curling a powerful effort inside the far post for 2-0.

French winger GeorgesKevin N’Koudou made the most of his rare start with a deflected goal to wrap up a routine win.

Tottenham were already certain to finish top of Group H and Pochettino made eight changes, leaving out the likes of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen. He added: “I’m very happy, for different players had a different opportunity to play and show their quality.

“They will add quality and put pressure on the players in the first XI.

“To have more players with the confidence to compete for a place is important and will help the team a lot.

“Now we need to be focused on winning in the Premier League again. But this season I think has been a massive step up for us.”

Apoel coach Giorgos Donis said: “It was a fantastic experience, this trip was wonderful.”