BRILLIANT FOR HAPPY

Conte can put a smile back on hitman’s face

- PAUL BROWN

HOW do you solve a problem like Harry Kane? Antonio Conte has the answer.

Tottenham’s new boss came up against the England star many times when last managing in the Premier League at rivals Chelsea.

Back then, in 2017, he labelled Kane one of the world’s best strikers – and he wasn’t wrong.

These days, though, the 28-year old looks anything but.

Stuck in a rut after failing to force through a move to Manchester City, Kane has even been booed by Spurs fans.

They turned against him during Saturday’s humiliating 3-0 home defeat by Manchester United, which ultimately spelt the end for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Kane has only scored one Premier League goal all season and does not lead Spurs in any major statistical category in terms of attacking play.

But if anyone can get the best out of him, Conte can. The Italian is well-known for his love of old-fashioned centre-forwards, calling them “reference points” for his team.

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku says Conte taught him how to be a winner at Inter Milan last season, with his goals propelling them to their first Serie A title in 11 years.