Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo says Harry Kane is committed to the club and that it is time for everyone to “move forward” after the England captain scored twice on his return to the Spurs side.
Harry Kane scored his first Tottenham goals since 23 May
Having announced on the eve of the match he was staying “this summer” following speculation about his future, Kane inspired Spurs as they overturned a first-leg deficit against Pacos de Ferreira to reach the Europa Conference League group stage.
Giovani lo Celso capped a fine Spurs performance when his free-kick was deflected in for a third goal which sealed the hosts’ victory.
Tottenham will discover their group opponents on Friday, with the draw scheduled to start at 12:30 BST.
Kane back with a smile
The last time Spurs played at their north London home, fans chanted ‘Are you watching Harry Kane?’, with the striker not involved in the Premier League opener against Manchester City as speculation about his future continued.
On Thursday all was forgiven as fans let their star striker know that he was still ‘one of our own’.
With his immediate future resolved following interest from City, Kane was named captain for this game as Spurs looked to bounce back following a limp display in Portugal last week.
Kane went close to scoring in the opening 15 seconds before levelling the aggregate score inside 10 minutes after a fine pass by the impressive 20-year-old Spain winger Gil.
The England captain looked eager to make up for lost time and was on target again when a clinical finish put his side ahead on aggregate for the first time in the tie.
It was just like old times as Kane celebrated with a huge smile on his face as Spurs fans chanted his name.
With Watford due at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, Kane was replaced after 72 minutes after taking his tally to 223 goals for the north London outfit.
As he left the pitch, Kane was left in no doubt that he is very much loved at the club.
By then Spurs had all but confirmed their place in the next stage after stretching their lead further. Lo Celso’s delivery looked like a cross and it took a nick off Pacos defender Antunes, but the Argentine was credited with the goal.
It was a thoroughly professional performance by Nuno’s side, who have won three of their opening four games, scoring five times and keeping three clean sheets.
The Spurs boss is keen to use the inaugural Europa Conference League to his side’s advantage.
“This competition will make us grow,” added the Portuguese. “This is what we want.”
Harry Kane scored his first Tottenham goals since 23 May
