Jermain Defoe has been talking, today, of his excitement to face his former club Tottenham Hotspur. Defoe is perhaps best remembered for his time in North London, however, the striker feels Sunderland have a good chance of securing their first win of the season against his old side.

Speaking to the clubs official site, Defoe is hoping a win against Spurs will help Sunderland get their season under way. The veteran striker has seen his Sunderland side unbeaten in the past three games, including draws against Aston Villa and Swansea City and a thrilling 6-3 win over Exeter City in the Capital One Cup.

In a rich vein of form at the minute, the 32-year-old has scored five goals this season already including a hat-trick against the League Two minnows. He would no doubt love a goal against his old side, where he spent a total of nine years over two separate spells. Defoe scored 137 goals for Tottenham before making the move to the MLS.

“It’s important we start the game on the front foot with a high intensity, making sure everyone is sharp and getting close to people.

“The game against Swansea at home was good and I think if we can start [against Spurs] how we finished there, we’ll be fine.”

With the transfer window now shut, the former England international will be looking forward to linking up with some of his new teammates. The Black Cats secured the signings of Ola Toivonen, Fabio Borini, and DeAndre Yedlin before the international break.

Defoe added: “It’s important now that we get all the lads back from international and regroup and try and get the first win.

“It’s obviously a difficult game against Tottenham, but we’re at home and the home games are important if we get the points there.

“Tottenham will be looking to get going as well so it’ll be a good game – I’m looking forward to it.”