SPURS boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted he “did not see much difference” between his Premier League big hitters and Newport County AFC on Saturday.

Harry Kane saved Tottenham from an embarrassing FA Cup exit at Rodney Parade, striking late to cancel out Padraig Amond’s opener and take the tie to a replay.

The Londoners will be favourites to seal a place in the fifth round when County go to Wembley for the rematch, but Pochettino knows another poor performance won’t do.

“I was a little bit relieved, maybe a lot,” he said after the 1-1 draw. “First half, we were so poor. Full credit to them, they were fantastic.

“Yes, we were very disappointed with the first half. In the last 30 minutes, we played better and created some chances. I think we deserved the draw.

“We cannot use the excuse about the pitch, I think we need to look at us. We were so poor in the first half.

“We were aware about how Newport play and they are a very energetic team with some quality. In the first half we did not match this level.

“We talked a lot that the key for the game was to match them with motivation, fight and desire – we lost every challenge in the first half. It was difficult to play forward, we were always playing safe.

“I think the team didn't show that they really wanted to go to the next round of the FA Cup. That disappointed us a lot because the theory is to win things.

“It’s easy to talk about that but I think we missed a massive opportunity to show that we really want to win some trophies.

“We still have the possibility and I hope that helps us realise that if you don't fight in football you cannot win.

“I’ve been here five years and I hear that the FA Cup is magic when a Premier League team and a League Two plays. But, if I'm honest, I did not see too much difference today.”

Speaking more about his side, he added: “I think that we were aware that the key to playing was to have the capacity to challenge them in all the areas.

“The most important thing from the beginning of the game was to show more desire or the same desire and motivation as them, to challenge and be available to challenge and have a winning mentality.

“I didn’t say we weren't motivated, but not motivated to the same level as Newport. I think in all these aspects they beat us.”

As for what he thought of County, Pochettino was full of praise for the team and manager Michael Flynn.

“He’s a great manager and he showed that last season when he took charge,” he said. “He's doing a fantastic job.

“I understand completely the possibility of playing against a Premier League side that plays in the Champions League, and the possibility of beating a side like us.

“I think they fully deserve to go to Wembley, to live the experience and enjoy the football.

“I was worried during the game but I enjoyed being here a lot.

“Sometimes I miss this type of atmosphere in football. That is pure passion.”

He went on to add: “I think the team was very good. Of course, the performances from some players were good but the whole team impressed me.

“They were so, so good and they showed a fantastic physical level, and I think big congratulations to them, they fully deserve this result and to go to Wembley to play.

“It will be very tough for us in the replay because they're a tough team.”