Tottenham fullback Kyle Walker is ready to face former club Sheffield United in tonight's Capital One Cup semifinal first-leg.

Walker was born and raised in Sheffield and, along with the rest of his family, he is a big fan of the Blades.

"It's such an important game, especially for me," Walker said.

"It's not going to be easy. Hopefully we can get a comfortable lead here because this is our patch, but we need to play the football we have been playing in recent weeks.

"It is going to be a far from easy tie, especially up at Bramall Lane. They will chuck everything at us up there.

"I have obviously supported the club since I was a boy and played for the club before I came here.

"I know their spirit and what the coaches will want. It's going to take a lot of hard work for us to get to Wembley."

He added: "I think as a professional footballer you have to do your job. My heart will always be with Sheffield United but I am a Tottenham player and they are my club."