Ex-manager makes Kane ‘torture’ claim ahead of Tottenham clash against Leeds
Alex McLeish has insisted Antonio Conte will be delighted to see Harry Kane scoring freely for England ahead of Sunday’s clash between Tottenham and Leeds United.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the international break was a reminder of Kane’s natural “instinct”.
Kane netted seven goals in two games, with three against Albania and four in the 10-0 win over San Marino.
He has struggled to replicate the same form domestically this season, with just one goal in 10 Premier League appearances.
McLeish insisted the games will have given Kane a major shot in the arm.
He suggested Conte will have been watching on in delight.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Harry will have a real spring in his step. It was almost like target practice.
“Just being in the right places at the right time, that striker instinct. Knowing that I’ll be getting good service from these guys and I’ll get into the positions where they can put the ball. The positions where it is easier for me to score goals.
“Possibly they’ll be looking for a bit more of that in the Tottenham setup. I’m sure that his gaffer, Conte, would have been looking at these games and saying that’s a little reminder of what Harry can do.
“He’ll be saying we have to concentrate on keeping him in that box as much as possible. Also, get the service to him.
“A bit like Alan Shearer back in the day saying when you go through a drought, it’s torture.
“It’s torture for any striker who’s used to scoring goals every week. Then you find that wee spark and you get it back.”
Kane has scored seven goals in 16 appearances this season, all but two of which have come in Europe.
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