Defoe: I've learned my lesson

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has vowed never to bite another opponent.

Defoe attracted widespread criticism for biting the arm of West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano in Sunday’s 1-0 Barclays Premiership victory at White Hart Lane.

But the England forward, speaking after scoring two goals in Tottenham’s 5-0 demolition of MK Dons in the Carling Cup third round last night, insists he has learned his lesson.

Defoe said: “I didn’t do much and it was heat of the moment. I need to move forward. It definitely won’t happen again and it was out of character.

“I don’t know how many bookings I got last season or the season before but I don’t usually get involved like that.

“I just want to play football and score goals. Everybody knows that.

“I am a professional person and when I get on the pitch I just want to win every game.

“I am a passionate player. I am delighted with the win and I think I deserved the two goals.

“I’ve got to move on as it is an important time for us. We’ve got a lot of games coming up and this was a massive one for us.”

Defoe’s two goals pushed him into the 100 club for career goals and the 24-year-old was delighted when his brace, plus a double from Mido and a late strike from Robbie Keane, earned them a fourth-round tie at home to League One side Port Vale.

Spurs were humbled by lowly Grimsby in the same competition last season and Defoe was pleased to get beyond a tenacious Dons outfit.

He added: “As a team I thought we were very professional as it is very difficult when you come to places like Milton Keynes. Over the years you have seen a lot of Premiership clubs go out of cups to lower-division teams. It happened to us just last season.

“We didn’t want a repeat of that disappointment and it was important we got the win.

“I am the sort of person that if we are winning games and I am getting chances then I believe goals will come. If I am not getting chances then I would feel I was doing something wrong.

“I am getting into positions to score goals and I know goals will come like they did last night.

“I always stay behind after training to work on my finishing. If they don’t go in for me then it is not meant to be, but I will keep getting into positions to score.”

Defoe wants to be in the starting line-up for this weekend’s clash with Premiership newcomers Watford but understands that coach Martin Jol may continue to rotate his squad.

He added: “I want to play in every game I can, but I understand that we’ve got a strong squad and it is a good place to be.

“We have quality strikers and it is down to the manager, but if I get the nod I will give it my best and try to help win the game for the club.”