Postecoglou hails 'outstanding' Spurs in Europa League final bid

TOTTENHAM Hotspur put aside their woeful domestic season with a 3-1 home victory against Norway's Bodo/ Glimt leaving them within sight of the Europa League final on Thursday night.

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Brennan Johnson's header after 37 seconds and a clever James Maddison finish put Tottenham 2-0 ahead at the break, and Dominic Solanke increased their advantage just past the hour mark when he calmly converted a penalty.

The buoyant home fans were already dreaming of a likely all-English showdown with Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21.

But there was a late twist as captain Ulrik Saltnes' deflected effort gave Bodo/Glimt hope for next week's second leg, which will take place inside the Arctic Circle.

Bodo/Glimt are the first Norwegian side to reach a European semi-final, and with home wins against the likes of Porto, Olympiakos and Lazio during their run this season, they will still believe they can turn the tie around.

"I think it puts us in a good position. I thought the players were outstanding today," Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said.

"They scored the goal late, which doesn't reflect our dominance in the game.