Harry Kane has admitted that he found life "tough" at Tottenham Hotspur before being given a chance to shine under Tim Sherwood last season.
The England international was named as the PFA Young Player of the Year on Sunday night to crown what has been an impressive first full campaign at White Hart Lane.
Thirty goals for the season have helped propel Kane into Tottenham folklore, but he insists that the pressure on his shoulders to match the goalscoring feat next year is not something that will affect him.
"There are a lot of – especially – English players out there that have just needed a chance," The Telegraph quotes the youngster as saying. "You know what it's like nowadays with a lot of other players coming in to the game. I found it tough.
"Tim gave me a chance and I managed to score a few goals, then [Mauricio] Pochettino did the same. If Tim hadn't given me the chance then I might not be where I am now. It is about a manager having faith in you, giving me that trust on that big stage. I know it's tough nowadays because there's so much scrutiny on managers and so much pressure.
"If I can be an example to other players, and it gives other managers the chance to play their younger players, that would be great. Hopefully I can inspire as many people as possible. It makes me feel proud. I've always wanted to become a top footballer in English football. I'm getting there."
Kane was also nominated for the main PFA Player of the Year award, but that honour instead went to Chelsea forward Eden Hazard.
Daniel Lewis
