Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest: Ryan Mason delighted to seize his chance as Mauricio Pochettino praises 'great talent'

23-year-old midfielder came off the bench to change the game and help Spurs progress to the fourth round of the League Cup

Ryan Mason was delighted with his match-changing contribution for Tottenham on Wednesday night - a performance which makes head coach Mauricio Pochettino confident this "great talent" can become an important player at White Hart Lane.

After loan spells with five different clubs, the 23-year-old midfielder came off the bench for just his fifth Spurs appearance in the Capital One Cup clash with Nottingham Forest.

Pochettino's men were heading for a third-round exit at that point, although Mason quickly cancelled out Jorge Grant's goal with a wonderful long-range effort.

The moment of magic - Tottenham's first shot on target - proved the catalyst to victory, with Roberto Soldado scoring a poacher's effort before Harry Kane's stoppage-time attempt saw Spurs run out 3-1 victors.

"I've been waiting for that for a very long time," Mason told Sky Sports 1. "It was obviously nice to come on, get the goal and change the way the game was going

"I've always been confident in my ability. I've had to wait a lot longer than other players but I can't moan I came on tonight and I thought I made a difference."

Pochettino agreed with the midfielder, singling him out for praise after playing a crucial role in securing fourth-round home tie against Brighton.

"Ryan in the beginning of the pre-season was good," the Spurs head coach said.

"The last season was difficult for him because he had some injuries, but he is a great talent from the academy. We need to be careful with him.

"He played on Monday for the Under-21s at Sunderland and today he had the possibility to be in the squad.

"He showed his talent and I am happy for him because he deserved this performance and this goal today."

Tottenham 3 Nottingham Forest 1 match report

The 3-1 scoreline was harsh on Forest, for whom the defeat was their first in all competitions this season.

Stuart Pearce believes Spurs will be "very relieved" to have progressed to the fourth round and told his players they should leave north London with their head held high.

"I think tactically we got it pretty much right," the Forest boss said. "I think the players - and when I say the players, the whole squad of players - attempt to please you in everything that we impart on them.

"There was a lot of young players on the pitch for us tonight and I thought they did outstandingly well, as well as the senior ones that hadn't played a lot of football.

"We put a team out that we felt was going to win the game and I think Tottenham will be more than pleased that they managed to get through in this competition and not get beaten at home again. They had a big scare.

"From my point of view, I am very proud of them. I am very disappointed we lost the game against a very good side that cost multi millions to assemble."

PA