Harry Kane's hat-trick at Bournemouth came after just one other goal for Tottenham this season

Mauricio Pochettino says Harry Kane's return to form is vital to Tottenham's hopes of succeeding this season.

The striker scored a hat-trick against Bournemouth in the Premier League last Sunday, having netted just once all campaign for his club previously.

Kane struck 32 times for his club and country last term but has struggled in front of goal in more recent months.

Pochettino believes the 22-year-old's poor run was an experience he can learn from and the player will now look to continue his return to form at home to Aston Villa on Monday Night Football.

The White Hart Lane manager said: "It's very important for him, very important for us, very important for the team, for the club and for our supporters.

"Harry is a very important player for us. Recovering his confidence and trust in himself is very important.

Mauricio Pochettino has laughed off renewed speculation that Manchester United are preparing to bid for Harry Kane Mauricio Pochettino has laughed off renewed speculation that Manchester United are preparing to bid for Harry Kane

"You know, we will always believe in him and we understand that the period will always happen to a player and a striker.

"They have a period when it is difficult to score but it's an important period for him to learn to realise a lot of things in football, good and bad.

"One thing that is very important is to keep working hard and he always showed that he would never give up.

We will always believe in him and we understand that the period will always happen to a player and a striker. Mauricio Pochettino on Harry Kane

"[He was] always keep working in the same way, working for the team. This, I think, was the key for him starting to score."

Kane has been linked with a January move to Manchester United despite scoring just six times in 18 games for Tottenham and England this season.

But Pochettino added: "I smile because it is a rumour, always. Even now, it's early to start to speak about rumours but in football it is normal."