Looking forward to ‘something special’
game, and when I do get my chances I feel confident I’ll take them.
“That’s what the manager wants – to have a situation that when players are injured or suspended, we still have players who can come in and win us games.
“When you know the games are so important, you prepare yourself as well as you can, and tick every box and make sure you feel confident.
“We have a strong squad. We are in a good place and we want it to continue.”
How long Defoe himself will continue in a light-blue jersey is, of course, the $64,000 question.
His answer, if not unequivocal, is at least encouraging.
“Obviously the manager and those at the club have made it clear that they want me to stay,” he said.
“From day one, the appreciation from the fans and the people around the training ground and at the club has been amazing.
“I’ve only been here a short time, and it’s a nice feeling for myself and my family.
“I’ve not thought about going anywhere else. It’s a massive club. At this stage of my career, it’s about football and, as you can see, I love it here.
“I have always been a player who lets the agents do all that stuff as I just want to focus on my football, and not get too much involved in the negotiations.
“I’m still on loan (from Bournemouth) so my situation is a bit different.
“But hopefully it will be sorted, and I can enjoy this season and we can achieve something special together.
“Then I can look forward to next season.”