Source: SKY_Sports
Defoe desperate to impress
Jermain Defoe is desperate to impress for Tottenham this season to ensure he does not miss out on next summer's World Cup finals.
The 26-year-old missed out on a place in Sven Goran Eriksson's 23-man squad for Germany three years ago due to Theo Walcott's controversial inclusion.
Defoe, who has scored three Premier League goals since returning to Spurs, knows competition for next summer's final is intense, but is determined to impress Fabio Capello.
The former Portsmouth striker acknowledges it is a massive year for him personally and that he is looking to make a fast start and stay injury-free.
Competition
"There is plenty of competition to get on the plane but it does not bother me," he stated.
"I know what I have to do to get to the World Cup and I will do whatever it takes to get on that plane.
"This is a massive year for me. I am 26 and I feel strong and sharp and want to get off to a good start to the season.
"It's a massive season with the World Cup at the end of it and especially after what happened to me last time when I didn't go it was massive blow.
"I want to make sure I am on the plane this time. The prospect of getting there fires me on even more.
"I have fire in my stomach and I want to push on and make sure I have a great season. Hopefully I will stay injury-free."
Good start
Spurs got off to their worst start to a league campaign in their history last season and Defoe knows the importance of starting on the right foot this time around.
Manager Harry Redknapp has reminded his players frequently to avoid a repeat of last season and Defoe believes the quality is there to put the record straight.
"It's been drummed into the players to get off to a good start in the league because of what happened a year ago," he continued.
"Last season it was a slow start and that made it hard for the club.
"But we have fantastic players and we will take it from there. It's a good squad as it is that is full of international players."
