Defoe, 24, was not in the matchday 16 for the defeat against Arsenal a week ago and finds himself on the sidelines again after not being included in the squad which has travelled to the Reebok Stadium.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wants the England international to sign a new contract to avoid losing him for nothing - as he did with Sol Campbell -but nothing has been agreed while the striker has been out of favour.

He showed manager Martin Jol what he was missing by scoring with his first touch against Anorthosis Famagusta on Thursday before adding a spectacular second in stoppage time.

After the UEFA Cup clash Defoe spoke about how Spurs fans had motivated him by chanting for his introduction.

"I've got to say thanks to the fans. If it wasn't for them I don't think I'd have been able to score the two goals. They lifted me and gave me energy, it was quite emotional because I've not been involved much and the fans were just unbelievable."

Defoe also stated that he does not want to leave the club and was hoping for a chance to build on his first goals of the campaign.

He said: "I've said that I haven't got anything to prove but maybe to myself because it's been difficult, but I've been positive and kept my head up and worked hard in training."

Jol, however, prefers to pair Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane in attack, and he also has Darren Bent waiting for his chance as Spurs look to turn their season around.

They have recorded only one win in the league and Jol's position has been under intense scrutiny, with keeping his strikers happy just one of the problems he faces at his own club.