Pochettino backs keeper Vorm despite Cup howler

Vorm's error deep into stoppage-time gifted Leicester a dramatic 2-1 victory at White Hart Lane on Saturday to end Spurs' interest in the FA Cup, as a scuffed shot from Jeffrey Schlupp squirmed over the line.

Pochettino, though, sees no reason to ostracise Vorm, who had earlier in the fourth-round tie made some important saves, and to instead recall number one Hugo Lloris for the trip to Bramall Lane, where Spurs will defend a slender 1-0 lead.

"This is football. He made a mistake. Every player can make a mistake, we have full confidence in him and must give him support," the Tottenham boss said.

"He made two big saves against Leicester. His attitude is fantastic and nothing has changed, in one action he conceded a goal."

Pochettino continued: "I think it should be normal to play Michel. All games are important, and (overall he) had a good performance (against Leicester)."

Spurs edged past the Blades with a penalty from Andros Townsend in the first leg.

Pochettino maintained the Barclays Premier League side will not take Nigel Clough's League One team lightly, especially given the shocks in the FA Cup last weekend.

"Now we realise the level of Sheffield United. We have seen other examples in the FA Cup too, so we have to be strong in our minds and expect a tough game," the Argentinian coach said.

"It is going to be a difficult game in a good atmosphere and we have to be ready to fight.

"We have to improve our game and play more quickly than in the first leg, when we played in a very slow tempo.

"They played deep and we ended up playing the way they wanted us to play, so now we must play quicker and the way we want to play."

"The weekend showed football is all about motivation and belief, so this is a different game (from the first leg)."

Pochettino continued: "I think the pressure is the same as it was in the home game."