Spurs boss Harry Redknapp can understand why Jermain Defore has the 'raging hump' with him, but has sought to defend his team selections.
Spurs boss understands striker's frustration
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp can understand why Jermain Defore has the 'raging hump' with him, but has sought to defend his team selections.
Spurs' out of favour frontman thought a route to regular opportunities had opened up in front of him when Roman Pavlyuchenko was offloaded during the January transfer window.
Defoe was, however, left cursing his luck when Louis Saha arrived on a six-month contract from Everton and was immediately thrust into the starting XI.
The Frenchman has impressed during his three Premier League outings so far, leaving his attacking competition frustrated on the sidelines.
Defoe has been restricted to just 32 minutes of action in fixtures against Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Two goals during an FA Cup replay success against Stevenage in midweek will have done his claims to a starting role no harm, but Redknapp has hinted that Saha will come back into the fold when Spurs take on his former employers Everton on Saturday.
Bursting
"Jermain's not happy - he's probably got the raging hump," said Redknapp.
"He wouldn't be happy, he's not playing. He wants to play.
"He might have seen a chink of light when Pav went, but then Louis came in and it was the same situation. We needed that extra striker, really.
"Jermain came on the other night and scored two and he's bursting for a chance. But Louis has scored three since joining us.
"It's a changing mentality in today's game that didn't used to happen. The same players would play all the time."
