Defoe primed for big season, says Redknapp

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is expecting big things from a rejuvenated Jermain Defoe this season.

Striker Defoe endured a disappointing campaign for the north London club last season, finding himself behind Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko in the pecking order.

He appeared set for the exit at White Hart Lane, but with Redknapp frustrated in his attempts to bring in a centre-forward, Defoe could yet have a role to play in the 2011/12 campaign.

“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 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.”

Tottenham had their opening match of the English Premier League season against Everton postponed due to the rioting, meaning their campaign will begin with a Europa League qualifier away to Hearts on Thursday.

And Redknapp is apparently battling an injury crisis in midfield ahead of the trip to Edinburgh.

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

“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.”