Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino was impressed with Mason's performance. Getty Images/Julian Finney

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Ryan Mason took a thinly-veiled swipe at the club's previous managers after marking just his fifth appearance for Spurs with his maiden goal for the club to inspire a League Cup third round win over Nottingham Forest.

After Jorge Grant had the Championship leaders ahead after the hour, Mason replaced Benjamin Stambouli and just six minutes later scored his first goal for the club with a thumping drive from 25 yards which flew past Dorus de Vries.

Roberto Soldado then turned in Andros Townsend's shot before Harry Kane wrapped up the win in stoppage time to cap Tottenham's second half comeback and book a fourth-round meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion.

But despite Tottenham's first win in five games the headlines belonged to Mason, who making just his fifth appearance in six years at White Hart Lane – amid five loan spells away from north London – gave manager Mauricio Pochettino food for thought for the remainder of the season.

And following the game Mason took a swing at former managers Harry Redknapp and Andre Villas-Boas, who limited his opportunities during his early years at the club.

"I've been waiting for that for a very long time and it was nice to come and get the goal and change the way the game was going," he said.

"I've always been confident in my ability but I've had to wait a lot longer that a lot of other players. I can't moan - I've come on tonight and I thought I made a difference.

Mason later wrote on Twitter: "Thank you for all the messages last night everyone! Was a special feeling #COYS"

The ex-Yeovil Town and Swindon Town loanee has been included in Spurs' Premier League squad for the new season and can be confident of winning further opportunities, having impressed Pochettino during his cameo appearance.

"I believe in our young talent and the players from the academy," the Argentine told Sky Sports. "We need to give them time to play with the first team. They need to work hard, they need to show in every training session.

"I am happy for [Ryan] Mason because he scored a great goal and he's a talent that has come from the academy.

Pochettino told BBC Sport: "I know Mason, in pre-season he was very good on tour. It's another talent from the academy and motivation for the academy and everyone who works there. We have to give them the opportunity to show their talent. I am happy for Mason because he is a great guy and a good player."