Defoe can show he is still germane
JERMAIN DEFOE will be given the chance tonight to demonstrate that he can still be a big-time player for Bournemouth.
England striker Defoe, 36, has played just 14 Premier League minutes this season but will start against Norwich with a place in the Carabao Cup’s quarter-final at stake.
“Jermain has been brilliant. He has trained well and his attitude has been fantastic,” said Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.
“I have had conversations with Jermain and he will get an opportunity because it is a long season and I have no doubt about his qualities.
“He scored some really vital goals for us last season and I’m sure he will do so again.” Defoe has scored four in 27 appearances for Bournemouth since joining from Sunderland in June last year.
He also had a loan spell at the club, playing alongside Howe, 18 years ago.
His inclusion is one of a number of changes Howe plans to make from the team that has risen to sixth in the Premier League. “It is important we back the quality of the squad, that we back the players and I believe in every single one of them so much,” said Howe.
“I know what they are capable of and we have the quality to win the game. We have a good balanced squad.
“If I decide to make changes, whatever number, I believe the players coming in are strong.
“In an ideal world they go out and put on a great performance and we progress to the next round.
“Norwich are flying high in their league and are one of the form teams in the country so we know it is always a dangerous game for us.”
Championship Norwich have already dispatched top-flight opposition in this year’s competition with a second-round victory at Cardiff and are fourth in the table.