Defoe pledges to lead Spurs to safety

Jermain Defoe launches his second spell as a Tottenham player at Wigan on Sunday pledging to save Harry Redknapp’s team from the drop.

The England striker, who left White Hart Lane to join Redknapp at Portsmouth 12 months ago, also believes he can forge a goal-scoring partnership with the likes of Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent to keep Spurs in the Premier League.

“We’re good enough to rectify that (Spurs league position of 16th, two points off the relegation zone) and it shouldn’t be a problem,” he said.

“It’s a strong squad with fantastic players and I’m really looking forward to the challenge and just getting out there.

“I’ve trained with him (Pavlyuchenko) for the first time. I watched him in the Euros with Russia and I’m a great admirer – a fantastic player, good finisher and he’s clever.

“I’m really looking forward to teaming up with him and Darren as well.”