After what has been a challenging month for Ange Postecoglou, the prospect of a cup final may just be focal point that Spurs and their under-pressure boss so desperately need.

Tottenham Hotspur will be without 10 first-team players ahead of their League Cup semi-final first leg at home against Liverpool, manager Ange Postecoglou said on Tuesday, with the North London side aiming to end a 16-year trophy drought.

This was a night for Tottenham Hotspur’s youngsters, the kids in whom head coach Ange Postecoglou has placed so much faith and for whom he has potentially put his reputation on the line. No wonder he joked that he will not be happy if he is not around to see the real fruits of their talents over the coming years.