gers legend Mark Hateley has rubbished claims Jermain Defoe is past his best – despite the striker being 36.
Defoe’s signing has been criticised in some quarters because it is viewed as a short-term solution.
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“You never lose that ability to find the back of the net,” Hateley said, as quoted by the
“Everything the players have these days in terms of sports science is there to promote longevity and I see no reason for Jermain not to carry on for two or three years.
“This shouldn’t be seen as a quick fix.”
(Photo by Chris Cole/ALLSPORT)
Even though both are well into their 30s, they are as good as any player in the country.
Had Defoe signed for any other club in the country it would have been lauded as a coup.
The striker has scored everywhere he has been and hit the net regularly in a Sunderland side as bad as has been seen in years.
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A pretty bare trophy cupboard also needs filled before it’s time to retire.
Short-term fix or not, if he wins the title his name will be remembered for a long time to come.