Ryan Mason denies Tottenham are a one-man team

Tottenham interim boss Ryan Mason has quashed the theory that his side are a one-man team following the news talisman Harry Kane could miss the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Spurs are underdogs heading into the showpiece event at Wembley on Sunday, a plight which is made even worse by the potential absence of Kane.

The England striker limped off towards the end of Spurs' 2-2 draw with Everton last week and mixed reports have emerged as to whether he will be fit for the clash with City.

Pep Guardiola once branded Tottenham 'the Harry Kane team', and despite Mason admitting the loss of one of the world's greatest strikers is naturally a blow, his side are far from a one-man band.

"If I think of Barcelona with [Lionel] Messi, think of Real Madrid with [Cristiano] Ronaldo, guys who are posting crazy numbers and creating big moments in big games, I think it’s normal your mind thinks they’re the most important players," he told reporters in quotes carried by the Daily Mail.

"But we’re a team, a squad, a group of players where whoever is out on that football pitch needs to come together, fight for each other and compete to get a positive result.

"Of course, if you have one of the best number nines in the world, getting on the end of things and creating moments, people will talk but, no, it’s a combined effort of everyone involved."

Mason has endured a frantic few days since being handed the reins at Spurs following Jose Mourinho's departure.

Having become the youngest ever Premier League boss, Mason admitted it's been a lot to take in, though he's ready for the Carabao Cup final.

"Your energy goes into preparing the team - what do the players need? What does the team need?" he said. "You need to watch games, watch moments, there’s so much. I’ll be honest, the first three days I didn’t sleep at all. I want this to go well for the football club.

"Last night I had a good night’s sleep. I fell asleep in my son’s bed at half seven and I woke up at 5.30am in the morning. The body obviously needed it. I feel energised again and I feel good."

Club captain Hugo Lloris conceded even a victory in the final on Sunday wouldn't dispel the feeling of disappointment over the club's underwhelming campaign, though he added it would be nice to break their trophy hoodoo.

"It will not change the feeling of the season because we had so many ups and downs, but we can save the season and finish in a good way," he said.

"There is still a chance of a European place next season in the League. A trophy is always welcome, especially after many years without one."