Defoe in his second stint as a Tottenham player

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says he will be a stronger character when he returns to the squad to play West Brom after the death of his brother Jade.

The striker withdrew from Spurs' squad for the game at Manchester United last weekend after the death, over which someone has since been charged.

"When things like that happen it puts everything into perspective," he said.

"He'll always be in my thoughts and my heart. I'm sure it'll make me stronger and appreciate everything in life."

Defoe has hardly played for Spurs since his return from Portsmouth in Januray, having spent two months on the sidelines with a broken foot.

But he said he was ready to play now if called upon.

"The club has been so supportive. It's been tough but I've had good people around me and that's helped," he said.

"I'm ready [to return]. If I manage to start it would be great but I just want to get out there and do my stuff."

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