Adams backs misfiring Defoe

TONY ADAMS is still in the embryonic stage of his managerial career, but already the Portsmouth boss has honed the art of the outspoken comment.

Having already threatened owner Alexandre Gaydamak with his resignation in the event of players being sold behind his back, Adams last night insisted he would rather have Jermain Defoe in his side than Michael Owen, despite the latter inspiring Newcastle to a crucial win in their battle to avoid relegation.

Owen gave his England team-mates Defoe and Peter Crouch a lesson in finishing at Fratton Park, taking his 52nd-minute goal clinically before Obafemi Martins and Danny Guthrie wrapped up the rout late on.