If Robbie Keane is fit he is always likely to be preferred by Martin Jol because he is the club's vice-captain. When Dimitar Berbatov returns from injury there will be even less chance than usual that Jol will pair Keane and Defoe up front since the Dutchman would always select the big man, little man combination when he has the chance. Berbatov, currently out of the reckoning with a groin injury is considered first choice targetman above Mido, check out their summer transfer fees for confirmation. Only the fact Mido was tired was Defoe recalled to the Spurs side at Anfield on Saturday. So all in all there seems little scope for Defoe getting the run he craves.
Sitting on the bench and only making late appearances as a substitute will not do his England chances much good, and with Wayne Rooney returning to the international scene next month, it's almost certain Defoe would make way.
It must be difficult to be inside the striker's mind, but he's done extraordinarily well by not losing the plot with the situation he's found himself in for coming up to a year. He's stuck to what he does best, kept his head down and concentrated on his game and for that Defoe deserves better fortune in future be it at Tottenham (we hope) or at another club who can offer regular first team opportunities.
Source: Alan Smith in The Daily Telegraph