Mauricio Pochettino has defended his decision to use Harry Kane as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Fiorentina at White Hart Lane.

Kane was a surprising omission from the starting lineup in the first leg of the Europa League last-32 tie, but Pochettino insists that he was right to leave out the forward, who has scored 23 goals in all competitions this season.

"We have a lot of games in 17 days, six games, and a potential 10 games in 30 days and we need to give the possibility for all players to play," the Spurs boss told reporters.

"But it's not a big problem to select the starting 11 for tonight or the next game or to try to pick the best player to try and win the game."

Spurs travel to Italy for the second leg next Thursday.