Defoe staying positive

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe admits he has endured a difficult season but has vowed to remain positive for the season run-in.

The England striker has netted just two Premier League goals this season, with injuries limiting him to just 14 starts and three substitute appearances.

Defoe has played a part in the club's impressive UEFA Champions League run, though, scoring three times in as many starts.

Though the former Portsmouth man acknowledges he may well be placed on the bench for Tuesday night's visit to Real Madrid, he refuses to dwell on the prospect.

"I stay positive because I know there are massive games coming up," Defoe said.

"This season has been frustrating because of injuries but there's no point knocking on the manager's door.

"I know I have got important goals to score from now until the end of the season.

"It's important for me to stay positive. If your mind goes, you are not right mentally if you get on the pitch.

"If you do come on, it's important to make an impact. Luckily, being a striker, you can."

Whether he starts the game on Tuesday or not, Defoe is excited about the Bernabeu meeting and believes any involvement will be a personal ambition achieved.

"What should we be scared of?" he said. "We are playing against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, potentially the biggest club in the world with great players. But that's why you play football.

"As a young lad you dream about playing in these games. My mum has always told me just to enjoy playing football. The bigger the game, the better you will play as long as you enjoy it. It's as simple as that."

Meanwhile, a lacklustre draw away to Wigan on Saturday leaves Spurs with a difficult task in catching fourth-placed Manchester City in the race for fourth place in the Premier League.

However, Defoe believes the race is still very much open, and has pointed to the club's strength in depth ahead of eight crucial league games.

He said: "It's important for the club to go on a good run from now until the end of the season.

"We need to finish in the top four to make sure we're in the Champions League again. I believe we're good enough to do that because we have a massive squad.

"We've also got players coming back from injury, like Gareth Bale and Tom Huddlestone. It means Harry Redknapp can chop and change.

"I believe that whoever comes in can do a good job. The players at this club are top class."

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