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Striker Harry Kane scored a hat-trick against Burnley on Saturday evening
That means he is one goal away from Alan Shearer's calendar year record
But Mauricio Pochettino believes his 24-year-old forward can still improve
He also defended Dele Alli amid criticism from fans at Turf Moor on Saturday

Published: 16:18 EDT, 23 December 2017 | Updated: 19:18 EDT, 23 December 2017

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Harry Kane is one goal away from breaking Alan Shearer’s record 36 Premier League goals in a calendar year - and Mauricio Pochettino warned the Tottenham striker can still improve.

Kane’s hat-trick blew Burnley away on Saturday night and he now stands on 93 league goals, with eyes on Shearer’s haul of 260.

‘Alan’s record is fantastic but Harry is doing so well,’ Pochettino said. ‘He can still improve. He’s only 24. Players arrive at their best at 27 or 28 and it depends how professional you are.

Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in Saturday evening's game against Burnley at Turf Moor

That means the striker is edging closer to Alan Shearer's calendar year goalscoring record

‘But Harry, if he can keep that mentality every day in training he can play for as long as he wants to. I hope and I wish that every season he scores 50 or more than 50.

‘Alan was consistent over 10 years and we have to show massive respect because what he did was amazing. For us, to have a player like Harry Kane is fantastic.’

Pochettino also defended Dele Alli after the midfielder was booed for a wild tackle on Chris Taylor and his part in Tottenham’s opener. Alli went over under a Kevin Long challenge and was accused of simulation.

Dele Alli was accused of simulation when he won a penalty for Spurs against Burnley

But Mauricio Pochettino defended his player after he was roundly jeered at Turf Moor

Pochettino added: ‘He is so special. Sometimes the crowd is focused on him. It was a dangerous action.

'It was a yellow card. The penalty was penalty. His contribution was fantastic.

‘I am so happy with his performance. We are the first to demand more from him and expect more but he is in a good way and we can feel Dele is recovering again the feelings that he has had from another period.’

Spurs players Serge Aurier, Michel Vorm, Mousa Dembele, Moussa Sissoko and Jan Vertonghen (left to right) pose in the dressing room after the game on Saturday evening