Kane: Eight wins needed to reach Champions League

Harry Kane believes Tottenham Hotspur must win eight of their remaining nine Premier League matches to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Kane, who has not played since Jan 1 because of a hamstring injury and football’s suspension, said there was “no doubt” Tottenham must reach Europe’s premier competition.

The club’s finances have been severely affected by the coronavirus crisis, not least because of the knockon effect on events that were due to be held at their new stadium.

Spurs are planning for a summer in which they will not be able to spend any money on transfers.

“We have got to finish in the top four, there is no doubt about that,” Kane said.

“We have got a massive game against Manchester United in the first game and realistically we are going to have to win seven or eight to get into the Champions League.

“That has got to be our aim. Of course we want to win every game, but we have got to make sure we finish strong if we want to be playing Champions League football next season.”

The England captain’s fitness will be key to Tottenham’s chances of climbing the table from their current position of eighth. Kane has not played since suffering a hamstring injury against Southampton on New Year’s Day and Spurs struggled horribly for form in the weeks just before football’s suspension.

Jose Mourinho’s side had gone six matches without a victory in all competitions before the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK.

“From the hamstring point of view it is great to be able to give it a bit more rest,” Kane said. “I have not played a game for six months now. It has been a long, long time. From an injury point of view I’m normal, I’m fully fit.”

Tottenham are expected to be without Troy Parrott, Kane’s striking understudy, for their return to action after the teenager had surgery to remove his appendix.