I should have started with Defoe, admits Redknapp

RATHER than accept any praise for a pivotal substitution, Harry Redknapp admitted to a case of ‘mea culpa’ when it came to striker Jermain Defoe.

The England forward’s fifth goal of the season just minutes after his second-half introduction looked like an inspired piece of work from the Tottenham manager, whose side were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw by dogged hosts Newcastle. However, Redknapp looked at things rather differently, and revealed: “It was a great finish from Jermain, and if I’d been really clever I might have started him, and we might have won.

“It’s a difficult one because I’ve got him and Rafael van der Vaart, and they’re both in good form.” Van der Vaart’s fourth goal of the campaign from the spot broke the deadlock before the interval, and Redknapp added: “Rafa’s been away with his country and looked a little bit tired. He wasn’t as sharp as he normally is. I thought Jermain might give us a little bit more sharpness, and that’s just what he did.