Llorente on our 'positive situation'

Fernando Llorente is pleased to have played his part in helping us through a hectic spell of matches of late.

Our Spanish striker scored on his first start of the season in our 3-1 win over West Ham United in the Carabao Cup last week and then came on as a late substitute in Tuesday night’s Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven, providing the assist for Harry Kane’s equaliser as we turned the game around to win 2-1.

Bringing a fresh dimension to the team if and when we need it, Fernando reiterated that he’s always ready and willing to help us win games.

“My instructions against PSV were to be in the box with Harry and help him, to be there, contribute and help us to score,” our number 18 explained.

“I think we did very well in the final minutes of the game and I was happy that I could help the team.

“It never is easy to come on from the bench when the game is at its peak as you have to adjust quickly but I try to stay focused and try to do as much as I can in my minutes on the pitch.

“I am feeling good and I am training very hard to be ready for every game, so I am always ready to do my best for the team.”

Wins in the past eight days in the Carabao Cup, Premier League and Champions League have continued our fight on all fronts this season, something that Fernando feels bodes well. The striker is taking the season game by game, however, and his focus now is on taking maximum points against Crystal Palace on Saturday (5.30pm).

“It is a very positive situation to be in,” he said. “We are still alive in the Champions League, but we have to continue to work hard and get a result in the important game against Crystal Palace now.”