Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks has insisted that the FA Cup is "massively important" to the club, despite boss Mauricio Pochettino placing the competition low down on his list of priorities.

Winks, who has been the breakthrough player at the club after earning himself a spot in the starting lineup, has said that he is eyeing the competition as a realistic chance of success.

Tottenham reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup last term, when they were beaten by Chelsea, and Winks is striving for a similar run this season.

"For me, the FA Cup is massively important. It is a magical trophy ­everyone wants to win in their career," the 21-year-old told The Mirror. "The Cup is something we take very seriously.

"As English players growing up, it is a bit more special. When the foreign lads arrive, they understand how important the FA Cup is and take it quite well. They understand what it means to the club and ­supporters.

"With the FA Cup, you can never be sure. The magic of the Cup has been proven so many times. Anything can ­happen. If you watch the game as a neutral and see lesser teams beating the bigger clubs, it is ­special and great to see."

Tottenham face AFC Wimbledon in their tie on Sunday, while London rivals West Ham United and Arsenal face Shrewsbury and Nottingham Forest respectively.