Mauricio Pochettino has singled out Ryan Mason for praise after Tottenham Hotspur survived a scare on the way to beating Nottingham Forest 3-1 in the third round of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.

Mason was sent on in the second half with Spurs trailing Forest, and the 23-year-old quickly made an impact by firing in an equaliser to start the comeback from the hosts at White Hart Lane.

"Ryan in the beginning of the pre-season was good," Pochettino told reporters. "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 showed his talent, and I am happy for him because he deserved this performance and this goal today."

Spurs will meet Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round of the competition.