Jermain Looks Ahead

Jermain Defoe says he will bide his time on the bench this season - but is ready to strike when called upon.

And, in a chilling message to Premiership defenders, he reveals: "I'm working on my shooting!"

Incredibly, the teenager for whom scoring goals seems second nature, stays behind after his regular sessions - to get even better at what he does so well.

"Even staying behind for 15 or 20 minutes helps, and practice makes perfect," he insists.

"I do what I did at Bournemouth, which is work on my finishing after training, and hopefully I can reproduce last season's form."

He knows that he faces a huge challenge in trying to dislodge the Kanoute/Di Canio partnership and says: "They are both experienced players but I just have to get my head down and hopefully my chance will come.

"Hopefully I will be on the bench; I'm still young and I've got a lot to learn in the game.

"I'm really enjoying it and just glad to be around all these great players.

"It is my dream to play in the Premiership regularly and hopefully that dream will come true."

Glenn Roeder says he will not be loaned out this season, and Jermain responds: "I was glad that I went out on loan, and I really enjoyed it.

"I got a lot of experience and I hope this season will be a big season for me."

He spurned a few chances in his first friendly of the season, by his own admission, but says it is missing that drives him on.

"The more chances I miss the more it makes me want to score, so hopefully I can carry on.

"I did say before the Peterborough game I was hoping to score after the match at Bishop's Stortford.

"But it is early days and we haven't done much shooting in training.

"It was my first game and I was a little bit rusty, but I was glad to get off the mark and take it out on the Peterborough keeper.

"All the lads are looking good and we can't wait for that next game now."