Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

James reveals Defoe surprise

19 Mar 2008 - 13:27:05

Click To Enlarge

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has revealed his surprise that Tottenham Hotspur allowed a player of the quality of Jermain Defoe to leave White Hart Lane.

Defoe will make a swift return to his former club with Pompey on Saturday, having found the net six times in as many games since his arrival during the January transfer window.

James insists the England striker has nothing to prove against his former employers and has revealed his surprise that Defoe was allowed to leave the north London club.

"Jermain does the same thing all the time," he told the Portsmouth News. "Why Tottenham didn't think it would work for them is beyond me.

"I've played against him enough so I know. For the size of him he is capable of turning the biggest centre-half. He can create something from nothing.

"I don't think he has anything to prove against Spurs. He'll just do what he normally does. I'm sure that is going to result in goals."

Meanwhile, James has reiterated his desire to be first-choice for England all the way to the next World Cup.

The 37-year-old keeper recently signed a contract extension to keep him at Fratton Park until summer 2010.

"My goal is to stay involved. I have to have that goal because I'm happy with my form and I'm happy with football," he continued.

"I love it at the minute. Why limit myself to just league football?

'I have just signed a new contract here and that gives me clearance beyond the World Cup. That's my goal."