Harry Kane: Teddy Sheringham has been a great role model for me

Tottenham striker has been taking tips from the Spurs' great

Harry Kane hopes to replicate boyhood idol Teddy Sheringham by shooting Tottenham to success.

After four loan spells away from the club, the 20-year-old last summer turned down the offer of another temporary move in order to fight for his place.

It is a decision that has paid off in recent weeks as Kane came to the fore, becoming the first Spurs player since Gareth Bale to net in three successive matches.

Such form puts a smile on the face of the Chingford forward, who grew up a Tottenham fan and dreams of following in the footsteps of fans' favourite Sheringham.

"He's a great finisher and was very good at getting in the box, scoring so many goals, especially for Spurs," Kane said.

"As I grew up I tried to use him as a role model and if I can score as many goals as he did, it would not be bad.

"I met him once at a golf charity day and got to talking about Millwall [one of Kane's loan clubs] because he played for them as well. It was great to meet him."

Asked what advice Sheringham gave him, Kane said: "Just to score goals. As a striker you have got to score goals.

"It was only last year - we had a little chat about football. He's a great bloke and it was nice to meet him.

"I was a little bit star-struck, to be honest. When you meet your idol you don't really know what to say but he had great conversation."

Kane has a long way to go to get anywhere near matching the former England international's career, although his breakthrough does give hope to young, home-grown talent.

"I was the same when I was a young player coming (through)," the England Under-21s international said.

"When you saw a young English talent coming through the ranks you wanted to aspire to that. Hopefully young kids can do the same.

"People recognise me a bit more because I am at the top level and scoring goals. People want your picture and stuff but I am happy because I was a fan once."

PA