Jermain Defoe has insisted that he is "looking forward" to facing former club Tottenham Hotspur when the Premier League resumes following the international break.

Sunderland host Mauricio Pochettino's side next weekend, when both sides will be looking for their first wins of the campaign.

The striker told the club's website: "It's important we start the game on the front foot with a high intensity, making sure everyone is sharp and getting close to people.

"It's important now that we get all the lads back from international and regroup and try and get the first win. It's obviously a difficult game against Tottenham but we're at home and the home game are important if we get the points there.

"Tottenham will be looking to get going as well so it'll be a good game, I'm looking forward to it."

Defoe has five goals in five appearances in all competitions for Sunderland so far this season.