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Sunderland's Jermain Defoe relishing return to striker role

Jermain Defoe walks off with the match ball after his hat-trick at Swansea
Image: Jermain Defoe is happier back in his more familiar role up front for Sunderland

Jermain Defoe admits he was baffled by former Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat's decision to play him out wide and was grateful when Sam Allardyce restored his role as a striker.

The 33-year-old was often played out on the left at the start of the season and scored just two goals in six league matches as a result.

However, following the Dutchman's resignation at the start of October, new boss Allardyce sent Defoe back up front and has been rewarded with eight goals in 15 league matches, including six in the last half-dozen games.

Jermain Defoe scores Sunderland's second goal
Image: Defoe (right) scored Sunderland's second goal against Liverpool

Defoe is certainly happier and it is reflecting in his play as he snatched an 89th-minute equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Saturday.

"The previous manager used to play me on the left," he said. "I've never played there in my whole career - not even at school - so that was a bit strange playing as a full-back when you have always been a forward.

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Jermain Defoe was delighted to score a late equaliser against Liverpool

"For me it was frustrating because your whole career you play as a forward - and not a No 10, a No 9 - and all of a sudden you are asked to play a role you haven't before.

"I will always try to work hard for the team but it is not my natural game. It takes away your chances of getting your goals.

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"Obviously you are not going to get goals when you are chasing full-backs, that is something I've never done before. But that was at the beginning of the season and this is now.

Jermain Defoe (r) celebrates scoring the opening goal with team mate Patrick Van Anholt against Exeter
Image: Defoe celebrates with team-mate Patrick van Anholt

"Obviously this manager [Allardyce] has come in and, even though I've never played under him, he knows me, he's an experienced manager."

A return to goalscoring form has raised hopes Defoe could make a late bid for England's Euro 2016 squad.

For him to do that he will need to maintain his form until the end of the campaign which, if he does, will give 19th-placed Sunderland more than a chance of escaping relegation.

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Matt Le Tissier gives his thoughts on Sunderland's fightback

"I've not seen my name in the papers about the Euros," he added. "I said a few weeks ago it is at the back of [my] mind but it is not something I am fully focused on to be honest. With something like that it is out of my hands anyway.

"All I have to do is try to keep playing well, keep getting my goals and see what happens. It is at the back of my mind but I'm focused on playing well for the club."

Defoe admits having seen Leicester are doing having staved off what appeared to be certain relegation with a brilliant run of results in the final three months of last season has given Sunderland encouragement.

Jermain Defoe playing for England at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
Image: Defoe playing for England at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa

"It is an unbelievable story. You look at clubs like that and think, 'If they can do it, why can't we do it?"' he said. "The squad we have got is such a strong squad and the new players who have come in have been brilliant.

"I think it has shown in the last two games. The team spirit is there and if we continue to work hard together then hopefully we get the results and hopefully do it soon."

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