Tottenham news: Mauricio Pochettino defends decision to bring on Harry Kane in Spurs’ FA Cup third round drubbing against Tranmere

Mauricio Pochettino has defended his decision to bring on Harry Kane in Tottenham’s FA Cup mauling of Tranmere on Friday night, insisting it was to “show respect” to the League Two side.

Pochettino’s men were already leading 6-0 before the England striker was introduced in the closing stages, scoring Spurs’ seventh and final goal in their third round tie at Prenton Park.

The decision to bring on Kane when boasting a six-goal lead raised eyebrows, but the 46-year-old seemed puzzled by those questioning that move.

Responding to reporters after the game, he said: “It’s important for him to score and have 20 minutes playing football.

“I think it was important for him and for the team an important victory and to get to the next stage of the FA Cup.

“It was an important fixture for the club. To be in four competitions is an important thing.

When pushed on whether the move to bring on Kane showed ruthlessness, Pochettino added: “It was respect.

“Respect the people, respect the opponent. They’re not going to have many chances to see Harry Kane play here in a competition like the FA Cup.

“I think it was a great atmosphere. For different reasons I decided to make a change and put Kane on the pitch but one of them is that.

“It’s important to show respect to the people here so they could see Harry Kane, who is an icon in English football.

“It is difficult in that division to see it. It was important to see him in action.”

The 7-0 victory over Rovers was Spurs’ biggest win away from home in the club’s 136-year history.