Redknapp backs Defoe to fire

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has backed out-of-sorts forward Jermain Defoe to go on a goal-scoring run – starting with Sunday’s trip to Wolves.

The England striker hit 18 Premier League goals last season but has yet to find the net in the league this term.

“He has gone through one of those spells where he has not managed to score. Normally at this time of the year he has 15 or 16 goals so we are hoping that he will go on a run and if he does that it will make a massive difference to our points tally,” Redknapp said.

“It’s about confidence and once he starts hitting the back of the net I’m sure they’ll come along in their numbers but at the moment it’s just a case of getting off the mark.”

Tottenham have a massive Champions League tie against AC Milan to look forward to in midweek but Redknapp insists all eyes are on the Wolves game.

With Chelsea just one point ahead of Spurs in fourth place, it is important to remain focused on the Premier League.

“We have to look to get a result over Wolves. I think Wolves are a very good side. I have said that all season. They are a well-run club from the chairman to the chief executive and their manager Mick McCarthy is top class,” he said.

“McCarthy gets absolutely everything out of his players week in week out and we had a tough couple of games against them last year. They did the double over us then and we were quite fortunate to beat them at home this year.”

“We were 1-0 down in the game and ended up winning 3-1. They are a good side and we have to make sure that we try to finish in the top four. That’s our priority. That’s important for us, to look to win on Sunday.”

Tottenham are missing defenders Vedran Corluka (ankle), Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Younes Kaboul (knee), while in midfield, Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Rafael Van der Vaart (knee) and Gareth Bale (back) are all struggling.