Mauricio Pochettino has praised Erik Lamela for his game-changing cameo in Tottenham Hotspur's 2-1 Europa League win over AEL Limassol.
Adrian Sardinero's first-half strike had proved the difference between both sides for some 74 minutes in tonight's first-leg playoff in Cyprus.
However, Lamela came off the bench to set up both Roberto Soldado and Harry Kane as Tottenham flipped the tie on its head within six second-half minutes.
The Argentine endured a disappointing first season in English football, but Pochettino claims that the 22-year-old can kick on after his contribution tonight.
"It is never easy in the first season for a player from another country. It is true that it was difficult for him," he told reporters at full time.
"He was injured, too, and we are confident with him that with time and hard work, like he has done in pre-season, that he can go far. He was very disappointed about last season but the past is the past.
"You always nominate players on the bench who can have an impact and all three subs had an impact on the game."
Pochettino's side host Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League on Sunday, before resuming European commitments for the visit of Limassol in Thursday's second leg.
Shane Callaghan
