Portsmouth FC

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Pompey switch boosts Defoe

05 Sep 2008 - 11:59:39

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Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe believes his transfer from Tottenham to Fratton Park in January has helped to revive his career at both club and England level.

The former West Ham United forward had found his first-team chances limited at White Hart Lane but has grabbed ten goals in only 16 appearances for Pompey.

The 25-year-old is expected to start England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday, and admitted: "I've benefited from moving to Portsmouth and I'm so glad I made that decision.

"I was at Spurs for three-and-a-half years and most of the time I was really happy. I had some great moments there. But towards the end, it started to get difficult.

"There comes a time when you need to move on, play football and be happy again. That's what happened to me.

"I think most people would describe themselves as confidence players. When you're playing well, you feel confident and believe you're going to do well in games.

"That's the kind of form you want to take into international matches."

Defoe has started England's last three matches - against Trinidad & Tobago, USA and Czech Republic.