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Defoe: No Spurs return

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Jermain Defoe has admitted he was 'gutted' to discover that he would not be allowed to play against former club Tottenham this weekend.

Both Tottenham and Portsmouth had been under the impression that Defoe would be available for Saturday's clash, but he has been ruled out due to Premier League rules over loan deals becoming permanent.

Defoe, who joined Pompey on loan on transfer deadline day but then quickly made his move permanent, has been in stunning form in recent weeks.

He was looking forward to facing Spurs at White Hart Lane but otherwise insists he could not have been happier with the way things have gone since he left London.

"I can't play at Spurs, that's for definite," Defoe told talkSPORT.

"I wasn't sure but that's how it is and I'm gutted. But you look at the situation and you say 'I definitely made the right move'.

Right direction

"It's important to play football and more importantly to play with good players.

"I'm doing that with Portsmouth and this club is going in the right direction.

"The crowd are great and I'm getting the chances to score goals.

"I feel sharper than ever, I feel fitter than ever and I could keep running all day."

Defoe believes he would have received a warm welcome back by Tottenham supporters, adding: "I've bumped into a few Spurs fans and they said 'we were really looking forward to you coming back, you're going to get a great reception'."

England delight

Defoe has been rewarded for his recent performances with a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for the upcoming friendly with France.

He was delighted with the call-up and is now looking to make an impression if he gets the chance.

He said: "I'm quite proud of myself. When I was at Spurs I had a hard time, I had some good times there too but it was difficult. Coming to Portsmouth could not have gone any better.

"Going away with England feeling good about yourself is important; you look forward to meeting up with the boys.

"I believe if I do what I'm doing at club level I'll get the opportunity. Then I've got to try and keep the shirt."

Reflecting on a possible international link-up with Wayne Rooney, he added: "Some say little and large is better up front but I don't agree. Look at some of the best football teams in the world - Manchester United play with Rooney and (Carlos) Tevez.

"I've played with Rooney before and it could work."