Tottenham’s Harry Kane says ‘Next target is 20 goals’ after win over Burnley

Spurs’ 21-year-old youth team product scored his 14th goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Burnley, then quickly targeted his next milestone.

Harry Kane, left, of Tottenham Hotspur is closed down by Michael Keane of Burnley during their Premier League match at White Hart Lane on December 20, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Powered by automated translation

Harry Kane believes he can fend off the challenge of Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado to become Tottenham’s 20-goal striker.

Spurs’ 21-year-old youth team product scored his 14th goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Burnley, then quickly targeted his next milestone.

The Enfield-born striker hailed coach Mauricio Pochettino for handing him the chance to prove himself despite Soldado and Adebayor costing Spurs more than £30million.

“The next target is 20 goals: obviously I’m on 14 now so it’s six more to go,” said Kane.

“I’m just trying to do my best for the team and to get on the scoresheet.

“I think I can do that, I’ve been given the chance this season and I’m moving in the right direction.

“I’ve been doing the right things at the minute but there’s still a long way and a lot of games to go this season, so hopefully I can keep playing and keep scoring.

“Sometimes young English players that come through the ranks don’t always get the chance at the top level, but I’ve been fortunate to get this chance.

“It proves that you don’t always have to buy players, there are players that are home grown that are ready to prove themselves.

“It’s good to have Ade (Adebayor) back, a top striker, he’s training well and I’m sure when called upon he’ll be ready.”

Spurs fan Kane grew up idolising Teddy Sheringham, and admitted he gets goose bumps when the Tottenham supporters now sing his name.

Tottenham are primed for a Premier League table tussle with north London rivals Arsenal heading into the new year.

Spurs have not finished ahead of Arsenal in the league since 1995, and Kane conceded he cannot remember the last time Tottenham claimed the north London bragging rights.

“I know how much it would mean to everyone around the club to finish above Arsenal,” said Kane.

“I wouldn’t really remember the last time Spurs finished above Arsenal if I’m honest, it’s been a long time and we’re trying to put that right this season.

“To hear them sing my name when I came onto the pitch, it makes me quite emotional.

“I was a fan once singing Teddy Sheringham and Robbie Keane’s name.

“It definitely helps, it can only spur you on, you want to do your best for the fans.”

Kane’s 14 goals in all competitions have put him in contention for an England call-up, particularly as Roy Hodgson’s striking options appear increasingly limited.

Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Calum Chambers all saw their international credentials enhanced under Pochettino at Southampton and the Argentine believes Kane has the right characteristics to follow suit.

“Harry is a typical English player - he is a striker, a strong character, he works hard and he has quality,” Pochettino said.

“We are enjoying having these young talents and maybe it is our skill that we are developing this type of young player.

“We are pleased to develop players for the national team. In England we are in a difficult period - English football at the moment needs to believe in its young talent.

“We can only help the young talent in England because I think this is our responsibility.

“When you are a manager and you arrive in a new country, you have try to help the young talent at the club and give them the right conditions to work.”

English Premier League results & fixtures

Saturday

Hull City 0 Swansea City 1

Queens Park Rangers 3 West Bromwich Albion 2

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Burnley 1

West Ham United 2 Leicester City 0

Sunday

Monday (in UAE time)

Stoke City v Chelsea, midnight

Follow us on Twitter @SprtNationalUAE