Pochettino Wants Kane To Avoid Burnout

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has said he is keen to hold talks with the FA to ensure striker Harry Kane does not suffer from burnout.

The 21-year-old has become a key player for Spurs over the course of the season and has already scored 29 goals in his 44 matches for Tottenham and England U21s.

Kane could play up until the end of June if he is included in the squad for the European U21 Championship this summer.

But with another full season to come next year and a potential place in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 set-up, Kane may struggle to manage a significant break over the next 18 months, with Pochettino keen to clarify the situation with the FA.

"We need to speak with the FA," he said. "You always support the national team and we're happy if our player is in the national team or U21s.

"When we arrive at that moment it's important to analyse the season and his fitness levels.

"We'll speak with the FA and Harry and take in the season altogether. We're both in the process of developing our young talent.

"For us he is a very important player and we think he will be an important player for England. For that it's important to take a decision all together to provide the best position for Harry."

Defeat to Chelsea in Sunday's Capital One Cup final and a Europa League exit at the hands of Fiorentina may have dealt a blow to Tottenham.

But with 12 league games remaining and a shot at Champions League football next season to play for, starting with Wednesday's visit of Swansea, Pochettino hinted he would prefer to see Kane rested over the summer.

"This isn't my decision," he added when asked if he would rather see Kane link up with the seniors or the U21s.

"Maybe I'd prefer that Harry has a month's holiday after the season to rest and recover his body and mind. We need to arrive at a deal with the player and the FA.

"This is my opinion but realise we need to support the national team and to take the best decision for us all. This is our concern - he is our player.

"The FA need the player to play but at the same time they are concerned about the development of their own young talent."