Mauricio Pochettino says Daniel Levy deserves "a lot of credit" for believing he was the right man to take Tottenham forward.

Spurs appointed Pochettino in the summer of 2014 after missing out on a top-four finish under Tim Sherwood.

The Argentine coach guided Spurs to fifth in his first season in charge before leading the club back into the Champions League courtesy of a third-place finish last term.

The north Londoners are now on course to retain their place among the elite for a second successive season, with Pochettino's side currently 11 points clear of fifth place ahead of the run-in.

Pochettino's influence has been regularly cited as a key driving force behind Tottenham's rise, having shown a willingness to put his trust in a crop of young players.

But the 45-year-old is adamant Spurs chairman Levy's role should not be understated as the club's upwardly mobile momentum continues.

Pochettino told ESPN of Levy:"He deserves a lot of credit.

"We had a difficult relationship at the start but we built a strong one.

"Tottenham are growing up and if I am doing well, it is because he believed in me and brought me here."

Spurs remain in the running for silverware this season, with an FA Cup semi-final on the horizon, and are also in rude health off the pitch.

The north Londoners are due to move into their new stadium, which is set to be the biggest club ground in the capital, during the 2018/19 season.