Mauricio Pochettino hails Harry Kane as Tottenham's Lionel Messi

Thursday 31 October 2019 15:02, UK

Mauricio Pochettino has hailed Harry Kane as Tottenham's Lionel Messi as the England hitman gears up to return from ankle trouble.

Kane has beaten his ankle injury ahead of schedule and could even start Saturday's Sky Live Premier League match with Watford at White Hart Lane.

Spurs have won all three games in Kane's absence, but boss Pochettino says the 19-goal Premier League striker can still transform his side - whether he starts against Watford or not.

And Tottenham's Argentine boss believes Kane is now as integral a part of the starting XI at White Hart Lane as the talismanic Messi at Barcelona.

"I'm not doubting Harry Kane," said Pochettino. "If he plays from the beginning or not, I think there's no doubt that Harry is one of our best players.

"In Barcelona, Messi was injured for a month but Barcelona were still winning, and then when Messi's available again, you don't say 'hmm, I don't know'.

"Different names, I can't tell you. But there's no doubt Harry's one of the best players that we have.

"We'll see whether he will start the game or be on the bench. But it's good news that he's ready. He feels good about his recovery.

"It's very good news for him and for us. He's an important player for us, and for him to be available for us is great.

"We are happy, he's ready, maybe normally after one month out you need to feel the competition. But he's a special player, he tries to push himself a lot.

"We do need to decide tomorrow if he will be in the starting XI or on the bench. But the good news is he's back. And he's our main striker.