Jan Vertonghen backs young Tottenham team to shine

Spurs next host their North London rivals Arsenal in the Capital Cup on Wednesday and, after three consecutive wins, optimism surrounding their prospects is again building.

Son Hueng-min, 23, scored the only goal of the game in Sunday's 1-0 defeat of Crystal Palace, playing alongside the 19-year-old Dele Alli, 21-year-old Eric Dier, 22-year-olds Ben Davies and Harry Kane and 23-year-olds Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen.

Among others, manager Mauricio Pochettino also soon expects to have Alex Pritchard, 22, and Ryan Mason, 24, again available and, as one of the senior players in that youthful team, Vertonghen is convinced by their significant potential.

"We looked very solid for 90 minutes (against Crystal Palace)," the defender said. "We played well at the start of the season but we weren't that focused at the end of the games.

"But things are looking very good. We have great young players and a good mix, so there are great things for the team if we can keep working like this.

"It looks very good for the future."

One ongoing concern remains the usually-prolific Kane's lack of goals. His build-up play against Palace was typically effective but when goalscoring opportunities were presented they again went to waste.

However, Vertonghen is confident that his disappointing run will soon end.

"He has just been a bit unlucky," Vertonghen said. "He scored for England and in the training sessions he has been doing very well, so the goals will come.

"He's not a guy who will just have one good season and then you never see him again. He has the qualities to perform and the goals will come eventually."