AVB Faces Selection Headache As Striker Sits On Cusp Of Breaking Record

Andre Villas-Boas has praised Jermain Defoe's performances in Europe as the Tottenham striker gives his manager a selection headache leading up to the side's league game with Hull this weekend.

Defoe has been in excellent goal-scoring form this season, especially in the Europa League where he already has six goals. His strike against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday night also meant he is now equal with Martin Chiver's club record of 22 European goals.

The England international will be desperate for more chances in the Premier League and Villas-Boas couldn't help but gush over Defoe's performances.

"It is some achievement," the manager told reporters as Tottenham defeated Sheriff 2-0 in Moldova. "If we continue like this, there is a big chance he will break the record.

"It will be another great achievement for him. I am sure he will achieve it.

"Let's not celebrate it before it happens, but it will be a great record for him and the club. It was another great performance by Jermain."

Defoe's goals have helped Tottenham virtually secure a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League but the 31 year has struggled to force his way into the league side as summer signing Roberto Soldado has been the preferred option.

Soldado scored four goals in his first three appearances for Spurs but then went on a barren run before breaking his six-game scoring drought in Tottenham's win over Aston Villa last weekend.

Defoe will hope his efforts in Europe will be taken into account but it seems likely that Villas-Boas will stick with Soldado who has excelled when being used as a lone striker.