Rafael van der Vaart feels for Tottenham teammate Jermain Defoe.

Van der Vaart scored both Spurs goals in the 2-1 weekend win at struggling Blackburn Rovers.

And he is making life tough for boss Redknapp, who is having to leave striker Defoe on the bench because the Dutch ace's overall form is so good.

Van der Vaart said: "I feel I am a starting player, so I am not worried about starting. But, of course, I feel sorry for Jermain."