Defoe seizes opportunity to play at Portsmouth

Jermain Defoe has confirmed he chose to join Portsmouth so he could play more often.

The England striker has only started three Premier League games for Tottenham this season and that has cost him a place in the England squad.

Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov became the preferred strikers at Tottenham this season and Defoe decided to move on so he could play more often.

He said: "I can't wait. I just want to get my boots on.

"At the end of the day I haven't been playing football; I hope I can play football here. I just want to score goals."

Defoe will face competition for a place in the Portsmouth team from John Utaka, David Nugent, Nwankwo Kanu and Benjani Mwaruwari, but manager Harry Redknapp has indicated his latest signing will be given a chance to prove himself.

Redknapp said: "He will be a great signing for us. He needs to play.

"Jermain is a top player. He's too good not to play, and I think he's a fantastic goalscorer. It will be great to have him here."

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