Spurs winger Townsend calls for Soldado support

Posted Friday, January 16, 2015 by YAHOO Sport

Spanish forward Roberto Soldado has endured a miserable 18 months at Spurs since joining from Valencia

Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend has called on the club's players to help Roberto Soldado end his barren spell in front of goal after the striker produced a contender for miss of the season on Wednesday.

Spurs came from 2-0 down to knock Premier League rivals Burnley out of the FA Cup with a 4-2 third-round replay win at White Hart Lane.

But despite all the goals, many fans left Spurs' north London headquarters wondering how Soldado had hit the bar from close range in the first half.

The Spain forward, signed for Â£26 million ($39.65 million, 33.82 million euros) has endured a miserable 18 months at Spurs since joining from Valencia and his latest glaring error extended his current goal drought to five games.

But England international Townsend, who provided the cross from which Soldado should have scored against Burnley, said Thursday: "I have been in that position before, when nothing will go in for you.

"He (Soldado) played well last night but he is a striker and he wanted that goal.

"I just ran over to him to keep his spirits up, and five minutes into the second half he put an assist on for Danny (Rose) so it's great for him and I think everyone's pleased for him.

"I just said 'keep going, I will try and put another cross in for you, so keep getting in the right positions and you will get your goal'.

"It was unlucky. Robbie is a fantastic character. He picked himself up, dusted himself down and put a great ball in for Danny in the second half.

"We have seen in Spain that he is a fantastic striker. He just needs the service and the game time. I am sure that once he gets one or two, the goals will start flowing."

Soldado was given a chance to start against Burnley after manager Mauricio Pochettino decided to give local hero Harry Kane a rest.

The 29-year-old Soldado helped create two goals but his finishing was again a talking point, with the forward now having scored just four goals in 23 appearances so far this season while fans' favourite Kane has been on target 17 times for Spurs.