Darren Bent believes that winning the Carabao Cup would be validation for Tottenham Hotspur over the appointment of Jose Mourinho.
Spurs moved to within two wins of a first trophy since 2008 as they won 3-1 against Stoke City last night in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
That means they are now through to face Championship side Brentford in the semi-finals of the competition, with Mourinho edging closer to ending Spurs' trophy drought.
Since being appointed as Mauricio Pochettino's successor last year, Mourinho has seen improvement at Tottenham, with Spurs being considered among the title contenders in the Premier League this season after a fine start.
But former Spurs striker Bent reckons Mourinho winning a trophy is what is needed to vindicate the decision to replace Pochettino last year.
"It is important because it’s kind of validation for them bringing in Jose Mourinho," he said, speaking on Sky Sports.
"Pochettino did great things for Tottenham Hotspur, but they brought Mourinho into get them over the line and win a trophy. They’ve got a man who’s more successful in this competition that anyone else.
"For me, it was the right appointment and they are close, they’re so close to the final and it’s a great opportunity for them. Mourinho knows how to get the job done.”
He was backed up in his view by former Everton midfielder Leon Osman, who added that he feels that success in the Carabao Cup for Mourinho and Spurs could be just the start.
“As Darren [Bent] said, it’s to show the progress, it’s the validation, it can be used as a springboard to bring further success, to propel you forward," he added.
"Jose has obviously been brought in to do that, you feel that the squad is starting to believe that they can bring success, that they’re getting closer to success.
"What Jose has done in the past, he’s used this trophy as that springboard to prove to his squad that you’re confident, you can win it, you have what it takes to win trophies. Now, let’s take that forward.
"The final moving towards the end of the season will probably be against him, in that sense, but it’s still a trophy that they can get to the final in, put a statement down, and then concentrate on the Premier League.”
