Chelsea warn Harry Kane not only Tottenham Hotspur threat ahead of League Cup final

Chelsea are refusing to become distracted by the form of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane ahead of the League Cup at Wembley, despite the England hopeful's two goals the last time both teams met on New Year's Day.

Kane has scored 23 goals in all competitions for Spurs this term, which included two in the 5-3 win over the Blues at White Hart Lane at the turn of 2015 – the best performance of the 21-year-old's stellar season.

Chelsea captain John Terry and centre-half partner Gary Cahill were given a torrid time by Kane that evening as the Tottenham forward ran riot with goals in either half, and the Chelsea skipper has downplayed his potential impact ahead of the showcase final.

"He is a very good player, his movement is fantastic and he's been in great goalscoring form and much like our defence, they're defence is going to have a tough time as well," the 34-year-old.

"Throughout their squad, I'm surprised where they are in the league because they probably deserve to be a bit higher. They're a good squad and they'll only get better. We concentrate on ourselves, you can't single Harry Kane out because collectively they've been good all-round.

"He's got to be able to do that year after year. For England, I really hope he does. It is great to see young players come through and get their opportunities. If he keeps scoring there is no reason to he can't but there is a long way to go."

Poor performance from Chelsea

Cahill produced a particularly lousy display in the headlights of Kane and the former Bolton Wanderers defender was fortunate not to have been sent off when he was spotted kicking the Tottenham hitman.

And while the Chelsea man has refused to concede Kane produced as fine a display as he's encountered as an opposition player, he is keen to downplay his importance.

"Harry Kane played well in that game but so did plenty of others. Sometimes you have an off-day and that was one of those days," he said.

"I wouldn't [say he's given me the most trouble of any striker] but he's having a good season. He's been very good and obviously he's pushing for an England place.

"[The 5-3 defeat was] one to learn from, one to take things from the game that you learn from and one to forget. You don't dwell on it but you certainly reflect on it after the game. When a result goes poorly and the you don't play the way you want to play you reflect on it no matter who it is.

"You're used to doing things week in, week out and that didn't go to plan on that day. I thought he was a good player."