Tottenham ace Defoe big fan of top four rivals Villa

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe admits he's a big fan of their top four rivals Aston Villa.

The two clubs face-off this weekend.

Defoe knows all about five of their key players - England team-mates Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, James Milner, Emile Heskey and Stewart Downing.

He explained: "Gabby reminds me of our own Aaron Lennon because he is so direct. He always plays on the defender's shoulder and then, suddenly, he's away.

"I watched Villa play Fulham and was amazed at the number of crosses Ashley Young kept getting in. He is a fantastic player and a real danger. He suddenly nicks a yard and then gets his cross over.

"James Milner is another player who's having a great season. He has strength and pace and the lads say he is so professional. Then there's Emile Heskey, who's getting a few goals again now. He's a real handful.

"And I'm a fan of Stewart Downing. He's coming back from injury and will be a danger wide on the flanks just like Ashley.

"That's why I believe Villa will be right up there, right until the end of the season. But I truly believe we have a great opportunity. We have a squad full of international players and a winning mentality."