Tottenham's Harry Kane delighted to 'sneak' FA Cup hat-trick before being substituted by Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham striker Harry Kane says he was thankful to "sneak" a hat-trick before being substituted by Mauricio Pochettino in today's 3-0 FA Cup victory over Fulham.

Spurs went into the game as firm favourites and lived up to their billing by easing past their Championship opponents at Craven Cottage.

Kane netted a goal either side of half time to put the north Londoners in control but his hopes of a treble appeared to be over when he fired a chip over goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli's crossbar.

But another opportunity arrived soon after and Kane made no mistake as he fired home to take his goal tally for the season to 19.

The 23-year-old may have squandered a couple of chances in west London but was delighted to claim the match ball before being withdrawn with 15 minutes left to play.

"I thought he [Pochettino] was going to take me off soon," Kane told BBC One.

"When I put it over the bar I thought that was going to be the last chance I was going to have, but luckily I managed to sneak it [the hat-trick] in before I was taken off.

"We've not had a few great results recently. We wanted to come here today and get a win.

"We played very well, passed the ball. We probably should have had a few more goals but it was great game all round and we're happy to be going home with the win."

Spurs have booked their place in the FA Cup quarter finals and are now just two wins away from a Wembley final.

But Kane is keen to focus on his side's Europa League clash against Gent at the national stadium on Thursday night.

Spurs need to overturn a one-goal deficit to avoid an early exit and the striker is relishing an opportunity to prove their mettle.

"It's never easy in the FA Cup - we had to make sure we came here and did our job and we've done that.

"Winning games gives you confidence. We go into Thursday now coming off this result, we'll be buzzing to go at Wembley, so we're looking forward to it," he added.