Jan Vertonghen backs Tottenham Hotspur players to step up after Harry Kane injury

Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has backed players to step up their performances in the absence of key striker Harry Kane.

The England striker suffered a hamstring injury while scoring a disallowed goal during a recent 1-0 defeat at Southampton on New Year's Day.

Having left the ground on crutches, there are concerns that Kane could face a significant spell on the sidelines.

Speaking soon after the game, Vertonghen told the Daily Mail: "Harry is obviously a very important player for us, one of the best players in the league and on and off the pitch he's very important.

"But we have the squad to cope without him."

Kane also missed most of the second half of last season due to two ankle injuries, with Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura stepping up in his absence.

Jose Mourinho's side find themselves in a spell of shaky form, winning just two of their last six games across all competitions.