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Mark Hughes warns about Harry Kane returning to form

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes (REUTERS)
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The Stoke City manager believes it is only a matter of time before Tottenham’s Harry Kane starts scoring again but wants to make sure it isn’t against his side.

Tottenham's Harry KaneTottenham’s Harry Kane

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes will be preparing to keep out Tottenham Hotspur and Harry Kane in particular when the sides meet at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon (3pm kick-off).

The Potters currently sit bottom of the Premier League table and are looking to pick up their first win of the campaign against Mauricio Pochettino’s side – who have looked somewhat goal-shy themselves with just three goals.

Part of that is due to last season’s Golden Boot winner Harry Kane’s struggle to find the back of the net this term, and he has now gone nine games without a goal for club or country.

England's Harry Kane reactsEngland’s Harry Kane reacts

A similar thing happened at the start of last season when the England international failed to score in the first six league matches before finally netting in the 4-1 win over Manchester City.

And because of that, Hughes admits his side will have to be extra careful as they try to continue the 23-year-old’s goalless run.

“He’s gone through that experience before,” he told the Stoke Sentinel.

“Last year was a key test for him, second season there’s always those question marks about young players who burst on the scene and they are always judged on their second season.

Tottenham's Harry Kane applauds fans after the gameTottenham’s Harry Kane applauds fans after the game

“He had a little bit of a slow start and those questions were being asked, but he answered them all and credit to him.

“Clearly that makes him more motivated and we’ve got to make sure we are vigilant and don’t allow it to happen against us.”

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane wins the 2015/16 Barclays Golden Boot Award, scoring 25 goals.Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane wins the 2015/16 Barclays Golden Boot Award, scoring 25 goals.