Spurs may leave tired Defoe out

ENGLAND striker Jermain Defoe could miss Tottenham’s Premiership clash with Birmingham tomorrow through fatigue.

Spurs boss Jacques Santini recognised Defoe was tiring during Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with West Brom and decided to replace him with Robbie Keane in the 68th minute. It was Defoe’s fourth appearance in less than two weeks and, although the 21-year-old has been in good form, scoring twice, Santini is anxious to shield him from burn-out. Keane made his first appearance of the season at The Hawthorns after recovering from ankle ligament damage but lacks match-fitness.

He is unlikely to start against Birmingham.