The 46-year-old hailed the squad players at the club and provided an update on Kieran Trippier’s knee injury

Mauricio Pochettino singled out Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko for praise after the club secured qualification for next season’s Champions League last night.

Harry Kane’s 50th-minute strike helped Spurs to see off Newcastle United 1-0 and move four points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea with one Premier League game left.

The Blues dropped points at home to Huddersfield Town in their 7.45pm kick-off on the night as they could only draw 1-1 and so it set up a nervy last quarter of an hour for Tottenham to see if they could hold onto their win at Wembley.

Pochettino’s team did it and the Argentinean highlighted the display of the much maligned France international in his post-match press conference.

He said: “I am so proud of all the players and for me one of the best against Newcastle was Moussa Sissoko. I want to say thank you to him for how professional he has been for all of season.

“Not too many people recognise him, but I think he was fantastic and players like (Victor) Wanyama who haven’t played too much, they were injured, but when you need to win they were there on the pitch giving their best.

“When we talk about the squad, we must talk about how important it is in the season to respect them and treat them in the right way because they were present and they played so well (against Newcastle).

“They are part of the success of the team to finish in the top four for the third consecutive time.”

A slight negative on what was a celebratory night in the end at Wembley was the late injury picked up by Kieran Trippier.

The full-back was fouled by Mohamed Diame in the 79th minute and after trying to continue, he was eventually subbed off in the 83rd minute.

Pochettino attempted to allay any fears over the ex-Burnley defender, but conceded he didn’t know the full prognosis.

“We need to wait until Thursday (today), after then we will assess. I hope and I wish it is not a big issue,” said Tottenham’s manager.

“Of course we are a little bit concerned about the situation, I can only say I wish and I hope it is not a big issue and he can be ready and fit to play the World Cup. It was his knee. He got a kick and twisted his knee.”

A positive, which broke ahead of the match, was news Sir Alex Ferguson is out of intensive care after he required emergency surgery on Saturday for a brain haemorrhage.

The former Manchester United manager is set to continue his rehabilitation as an inpatient at Salford Royal Hospital.

On the news, Pochettino added: “I am so, so pleased, I am so happy. If I have time, I will visit him, he is a massive personality in football and he is a fantastic person. I am so happy for him, but also for the people who love him and all the family.”