Tottenham striker Jemain Defoe says his hat-trick at Leeds United was inspired by a halftime warning from coach Les Ferdinand.

Defoe headed out of Elland Road clutching the matchball signed by his team-mates after his third hat-trick this term.

He admitted: "At half-time our coach Les Ferdinand told me if I didn't get a hat-trick I'd be getting a kick up the backside from him.

"I had a few chances early on which I didn't take but I knew if I kept plugging away, more chances would come and I'd hit the target.

"Those misses didn't bother me at all - neither did my penalty miss in the tie against Leeds at White Hart Lane. Those things happen."

Boss Harry Redknapp joked: "Three? I thought Jermain had so many chances it could have been double that.

"Wayne Rooney is the best striker I have seen for years but Jermain is terrific in front of goal."