Source: Teamtalk

Jermain Defoe has welcomed the increased competition for places at Tottenham as Robbie Keane and Mido prepare to return from injury.

Defoe, 24, has started 10 of Spurs' last 11 games and is currently the in-form England striker with his dozen goals this season coming in his last 17 starts.

His run in the team has been extended after Keane's knee injury last month, and boss Martin Jol tends to prefer starting with one or ther other.

The pair have only started one game together this season and Keane was Jol's choice for Spurs' high-profile games before his injury, but Defoe's importance to the side has been underlined by his recent performances.

The former West Ham striker is relishing the return of Keane, with Spurs facing a demanding schedule in the next month as they challenge in three cups, starting with Wednesday's FA Cup third-round replay against Cardiff at White Hart Lane.

Keane is fit to face the Welsh side but Mido, who has been struggling with a groin complaint, may not be fit.

"Robbie and Mido are coming back to fitness so it keeps you on your toes," said Defoe.

"But it's not a bad thing, it's good when there's competition and when you get your chance, you've got to make sure you do something special for your team.

"It's a good thing that Robbie's back because it's been hard for him. He came off the bench to score a goal against Middlesbrough and then got injured.

"It was a disappointing setback, especially when you're a forward and you just want to score goals. Robbie's a good player, and it's good for the squad that he's back."

If Spurs make it past Cardiff, it will be their first game of six in 19 days, including a two-legged Carling Cup semi-final against rivals Arsenal.

"The amount of games is unbelievable, but the Christmas period was busy as well," Defoe added. "We've just got to be professional athletes and rest."