Spurs boss AVB confident of Defoe stay

Tottenham Hotspurs manager Andre Villas Boas remained confident of Jermain Defoe staying on at the club despite the striker having been restricted to just one league appearance so far this season.

The 31 year old England international has been finding himself on the bench more often after the arrival of Spaniard Roberto Soldado and is reportedly keen on a move elsewhere to boost his chances of playing in the World Cup next year.


However, the Portuguese is certain that he would be able to hold on to the striker during the winter transfer window.


When asked about Defoe's possible exit from White Hart Lane, the Portuguese manager replied: "No, I don't think so.


"We are pretty happy with the goals he is producing. He is on nine goals already so it is a great start for him and it doesn't change our perspective regarding his position in the team.


"I'm not sure about the selection process for [England manager] Roy Hodgson but from what I have seen he has been counting on Jermain in the same way and he has been included in all call-ups since we started playing this season."


The former Chelsea boss expressed his satisfaction on the contribution made by Defoe and new arrival Soldado.


"We've been rotating," Villas-Boas said.


"I'm extremely happy with both, it is just a question of deciding what is better on a specific date and regarding specific strategies.


"Obviously everyone wants to play consecutively and get matches in the Premier League.


"But we have found comfort playing in this system and we have three strikers competing for that position and it hasn't been easy for any of them."