Big season for Defoe

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has vowed to keep the faith in striker Jermain Defoe.

Defoe mustered a total of four Premiership goals last season as injuries and a breakdown in confidence was apparent as the England striker failed to regularly hit the back of the net.

However, a strong pre-season programme has seen Redknapp re-consider his thoughts on selling the 28-year-old.

“Jermain did not have the best time of things last season and had problems with injuries,” Redknapp told the Sunday People.

“He only scored four league goals and he is a 16-17 goal a season player, no question.

“But he has looked fit and he has looked really sharp in pre-season and a lot of that is down to his own efforts.

“He went over to France to see a fitness coach and that really does seem to have helped him a lot.

“I am looking for him to have a big season for Tottenham. He is really flying at the moment.”

Spurs’ first game of the season comes against Scottish side Hearts on Thursday night after their Premier League opener against Everton was postponed following the recent rioting around London.

And Redknapp admits that he is facing an injury crisis before the squad have even played a competitive game this campaign.

“I’m struggling in that area. Jermaine Jenas is injured and so are Sandro, Steven Pienaarand Tom Huddlestone,” he added.

“At the moment, I think only Luka Modric is fit to play in midfield. On top of that William Gallas and Ledley King are also out.”