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Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino speaks out over Rochdale pitch described as the 'worst in the league'

Spurs visit to League One strugglers Rochdale on a sand-covered Spotland Stadium surface

Tottenham 2-0 Newport : Match in pictures

Tottenham set up a fifth round trip to Rochdale and boss Mauricio Pochettino claimed their first tie against Newport would be ideal preparation.

Spurs needed Wednesday night's fourth round replay to finally overcome League Two Newport after they almost came unstuck in the original clash on the Welsh side's badly cut up Rodney Parade pitch.

Next up for Spurs is a visit to League One strugglers Rochdale whose sand-covered Spotland Stadium surface has been described as the worst pitch ever.

It will certainly be a world away from Wembley's perfect pitch and Pochettino said: “I hear it’s not in the best condition but it’s like Newport. We need to learn from Newport.

General detail view of sand on the pitch at Spotland, home stadium of Rochdale(Getty Images Europe)

“The conditions are for them as well as us. I haven't seen it yet. But it will be tough, FA Cup is difficult, look at this replay against a League Two team. it is another opportunity for different players to show their quality.”

Having been just eight minutes from humiliation in Wales 11 days earlier before Harry Kane spared Spurs' blushes with a late equaliser, the replay was a welcome stress-free night for Pochettino and his players.

Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose and Harry Winks came through their returns from injury to potentially put themselves in contention for Saturday's North London derby.

Erik Lamela sealed victory for Spurs(AFP)
Millwall boss Neil Harris says his players were abused(Getty Images Europe)
A closer look at the pitch at Spotlands where Millwall came a cropper last night(Getty)

And Erik Lamela took a few more strides back towards his best with a man-of-the match display.