Harry Kane should have been given his chance at Tottenham sooner, insists Jermaine Defoe
Jermain Defoe has revealed he has not been surprised by Harry Kane's rise at Tottenham after recognising the striker's potential as a youth player at White Hart Lane.
Kane has established himself as the focal point of Mauricio Pochettino's attack and won the Premier League Golden Boot courtesy of a 25-goal haul last season.
But the 23-year-old was still struggling for game time towards the end of Defoe's time at Spurs and had to endure several loan spells before finally being given an opportunity to play for the first-team regularly.
However, Defoe is adamant Spurs should have called on Kane's services earlier and suggested the club could have saved some money if they had done so.
"I wasn't surprised," Defoe told Sunderland's official website when asked about Kane's form.
"I said to people even when I was there that I felt at times he should have got a chance before going out and splashing so much money on other players.
"He had to wait. He went on loan, came back and he's doing his stuff.
"When I was there he played a couple of Cup games here and there.
"But he was always someone I looked at and thought 'yeah, you'll do well - I think you'll score goals in the Premier League.'
"He was always sharp in training and didn't seem out of place. I looked at him and thought 'it's just a matter of time before you come through and score goals,'" insisted the 33-year-old.
Defoe scored 143 goals for Spurs during three spells in north London and will return to his old stamping ground with Sunderland this weekend.
The former England international still holds White Hart Lane dearly and is relishing a chance to see some old friends when he travels to N17 with the Black Cats.
"It's special. I spent many years there. I've still got a lot of friend there - not just the players.
"It's always special to go back. Even during my time at Toronto I used to go back and watch the games."
ArticleDefoe: I told Spurs to give Kane his chance instead of spending moneyPremier LeagueTottenham HotspurJermain DefoeHarry KaneTottenham vs Sunderland: Harry Kane should have been given his chance at Spurs sooner, insists Jermaine DefoeHarry Kane 50 Premier League goals
Harry Kane 50 Premier League goals
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