Defoe: I’m always ready for a chance
STADIUM OF LIGHT, WITH SAINTS PERHAPS HAVING MORE THAN AN EYE ON THEIR IMPENDING WEMBLEY DATE
the last, but I always know, in the game, I’ll always get a chance or a half-chance.
“Maybe it’s a half-chance my second goal (at Palace) when I turn, but I’m always concentrating, always ready for when my chance comes.”
His abilities have made him an on-field leader for the Black Cats, part of a core of the squad who have seen these relegation fights time and time again at the Stadium of Light.
Generally, the mood in the camp is calm and collected, but there were times in January when frus- tration with the failure to make any headway in games spilled over.
Often Sunderland players were remonstrating with each other on the field, but Defoe says it is merely a sign of their, and his, determination to fire the side into the comfort of mid-table.
The former Tottenham star (pictured( said: “I try not to get frustrated because it’s difficult and the boys know, even when I moan, it’s only because I want to score goals for this team.
“I want the lads to know that when I get the chances I’ve got that hunger to score goals. I’ve always been like that, I’ve always focused, even if I’m quiet I’m waiting for that chance.”
Defoe will have been buoyed by the service provided by his team-mates in the capital last weekend, Adnan Januzaj twice finding him with precise through-balls.
He also had special words of admiration for Lamine Kone and Didier Ndong, whose fine finishes for Sunderland’s first two goals finally took the burden away from him.
Defoe has been left brimming with confidence and said that it is hard work on the training ground that always leaves him so bullish ahead of games.
He said: “At the end of the day, I’ve always worked hard, I’ve always practiced my finishing, worked hard.
“When you do that throughout your career, you always feel confident on match day.” Meanwhile, Sunderland de f ender Adam Matthews faces a race against time to convince Bristol City that he is worth a permanent contract.
The 25-yearold joined the Ch ampionship side on a season-long loan deal last summer, but injuries and a loss of form have hampered his chances of making the move permanent.
Boss Lee Johnson is understood to have been scouring the transfer market for a new full-back as he is yet to be convinced that Matthews is the answer at right back.
As things stand, the Wales international is due to return to the Stadium of Light this summer. He doesn’t look to have a future on Wearside, though.
Matthews, who has only made 13 appearances this season, has recently overcome a hamstring injury and is now looking to force his way back into Johnson’s plans before the end of the campaign.
Sunderland paid Celtic £2million for him in 2015 but he struggled to break into the team and had a positive loan at Bristol City last season. Time is now against him, though, if he is to make his second loan at Ashton Gate permanent.