Benchwarmer Defoe captains Spurs

Jermain Defoe was named captain for Tottenham on the teamsheet for the Premier League clash against Sunderland at White Hart Lane.

Jermain Defoe has been named as captain for Tottenham for the Premier League clash against Sunderland at White Hart Lane.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move as his opportunities have been limited and a new contract remains unsigned, although Spurs are understood to want £15m for him.

He is one of only five players remaining from the midweek FA Cup win over Reading, with head coach Juande Ramos appearing to have an eye on Tuesday’s Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal.

Dimitar Berbatov, however, returns after a bout of flu, but there is no place for Robbie Keane.

Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson picked up a hamstring injury in training and has not travelled.

Paul McShane replaces him in Roy Keane’s starting XI.

Tottenham: Cerny, Stalteri, Lee, Dawson, Huddlestone, Jenas, Boateng, O’Hara, Lennon, Berbatov, Defoe.

Subs: Robinson, Chimbonda, Tainio, Keane, Rose.

Sunderland: Gordon, Nosworthy, McShane, Collins, Evans, Whitehead, Murphy, Miller, Yorke, Stokes, Jones.

Subs: Fulop, Harte, Chopra, Cole, O’Donovan.

Referee: Lee Mason.