Pochettino hails Alli as a key player for Spurs

Cape Town - Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino had Dele Alli to thank for Tuesday’s 1-0 League Cup win over Burnley.

The 21-year-old scored the only goal after 65 minutes against the Championship strugglers at Wembley, taking his tally up to three for the season in all competitions.

"For me, Dele Alli is a top player," Pochettino said. "He is a key player for us.

"I think he helps us by scoring today. I am so happy with him. It's true that everyone can do better, but I am happy.

"It is a period that he needs to find his balance, but I am so happy, his performance was good. He tried and scored and that is fantastic."

Having secured passage to the next round of the cup, Spurs return to Premier League action against West Ham on Saturday.