Mauricio Pochettino has defended his decision to let Emmanuel Adebayor captain Tottenham Hotspur in their 1-0 League Cup win over Sheffield United on Wednesday.

Andros Townsend struck a 74th-minute penalty as Spurs drew first blood in part one of their two-legged semi-final at White Hart Lane last night.

Pochettino awarded the armband to Adebayor - who was booked and missed a goalscoring chance in the first half - in a move that frustrated the home fans.

Some sections of the ground jeered the striker when he was replaced by Roberto Soldado on 64 minutes, but the Argentine has reminded fans that the 30-year-old is his third-choice captain.

"He is one of the three captains," he told reporters. "You forget [I named them] at the beginning of the season. I think it is not the moment to explain why.

"When I took a decision it was seven months ago, I took the decision that Kaboul, Lloris and Adebayor were three captains, seven months ago. It is a long, long time ago that happened.

"I had no doubts [about making him captain]. I didn't hear [any bad reaction]. I am focused on the game."

The former Arsenal man has netted two goals so far this season.