Mauricio Pochettino 'very proud' of Harry Kane's Tottenham leadership after FA Cup hat-trick vs Fulham

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Sam Long20 February 2017

Mauricio Pochettino has praised Tottenham striker Harry Kane's qualities "as a man" following his FA Cup hat-trick against Fulham.

Kane led the north Londoners' line at Craven Cottage on Sunday despite being a fitness doubt prior to the game after picking up a minor knee problem in Ghent.

And the 23-year-old delivered for Spurs in yet another London derby, firing three goals past Marcus Bettinelli to help his side book their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win.

Kane missed a significant chunk of the campaign due to an ankle ligament injury but has taken his goal tally for the campaign to 19 and could yet beat last term's total of 28.

Pochettino has formed a close bond with Kane during his spell in charge at White Hart Lane and is adamant the striker's influence extends further than the pitch.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

"He got a knock but it wasn't bad. He arrived in a very good condition - we didn't take a risk," Pochettino said of the England international's injury.

"He is a great player and a great person. He is a very good professional with his commitment to the club, with the team and the coaching staff.

"That is a good example for all. We feel very proud to have not only a player, if not a man, how he is with the squad."

Kane is also expected to lead Tottenham's frontline in Thursday's Europa League last-32 second leg against Gent.

Spurs came up short in Belgium a week ago and have to overturn a one-goal deficit at Wembley if they are to avoid an early exit from Europe's second tier tournament.

Meanwhile, Spurs have been drawn against Millwall in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, with the tie set to be the final ever cup match played at White Hart Lane.

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