Tottenham ace Jermain Defoe says manager Harry Redknapp has an "aura" about him.

Defoe was a teenager at the West Ham academy when he first met Redknapp, and he has played under him at not just the Hammers but also Portsmouth before teaming up with him at Tottenham.

And he told the Mirror: "Some people just have a presence - an aura about them that inspires you to perform.

"That's what Harry has. He is one of those managers that wants you to express yourself. To enjoy the game, work hard for the team, stick together and win football matches. It's as simple as that.

"He always seems to get the best out of his players. Whether it is players coming to the end of their career who come to the club and kick on to another level, or young players who step up.

"It's that presence he has. When you play for him, you know that you have to give him 100 per cent. He always stresses how important it is to realise how important we are in life.

"He tells us, 'You are in a fantastic position in your life. You are doing something you love.' And yes, we are living the dream. He is a top manager."