Adams: Defoe can be lone Ranger

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Defoe has scored eight goals in eight league games since his January transfer with boss Harry Redknapp providing him with a partner up front even though it has meant shelving the the 4-5-1 formation which has proved so successful.

But Adams insists: "I don't see why Jermain could not play that position up there on his own. He is certainly good enough."

He added: "He is similar to Ian Wright in that respect. I know he is one of Jermain's heroes, but Wrighty also thrived alongside another top-class striker at Arsenal in Dennis Bergkamp.

"I'm not totally sure the lone striker role would get the very best out of Jermain but if it complements the rest of the side then some time we have got to look at it."

Adams is still weighing up whether to stay on for another season - his third - as number two at Fratton Park or make a new move into management but he is happy with the progress made by the FA Cup finalists who can also qualify for the UEFA Cup by finishing fifth in the league.

He said: "We're on 57 points now, which is a tremendous effort.

"We can get to 69 by the end of the season, which still might not be enough for fifth but we cannot ask the players for any more.

"Defensively, there has been a massive improvement. The goalkeeper (David James) has played every game and there is a familiarity among the defenders now.

"Players are playing in their rightful positions and when there is that understanding with your partners, it really helps."