Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe is bitterly disappointed to be missing out on a White Hart Lane reunion with Tottenham, but admits to being "proud of himself" for making a success of his January transfer.

Defoe conceded defeat in his battle to nail down a first-team place under Juande Ramos by signing a loan contract at Fratton Park - a deal which soon became permanent.

Both clubs had been under the impression that the former West Ham forward would be available for duty on Saturday due to the change in terms of the deal but an alteration in Premier League rules, brought about after a similar situation with Tim Howard last season, means he will not be allowed to face his former club until next term.

It is another blow for the 25-year-old, who has already missed out on Spurs' Carling Cup victory over Chelsea at Wembley and would be cup-tied if his new side got to the FA Cup final.

But despite those setbacks Defoe, whose fine form in recent weeks has brought him five goals in his last five games, could not be happier with his move.

"I can't play at Spurs, that's for definite," Defoe told talkSPORT.

"I wasn't sure but that's how it is and I'm gutted. But you look at the situation and you say 'I definitely made the right move'. It's important to play football and more importantly to play with good players.

"I'm doing that with Portsmouth and this club is going in the right direction. The crowd are great and I'm getting the chances to score goals.

"I feel sharper than ever, I feel fitter than ever and I could keep running all day."

Defoe also believes he is being denied what would have been a warm reception from his fans in north London.

"I've bumped into a few Spurs fans and they said 'we were really looking forward to you coming back, you're going to get a great reception'."

Defoe was rewarded for his recent exploits in front of goal with a place in Fabio Capello's second England squad, something he rates as one of his priorities after struggling to become a regular during his time at Tottenham.

"I'm quite proud of myself," he said.

"When I was at Spurs I had a hard time, I had some good times there too but it was difficult. Coming to Portsmouth could not have gone any better.

"Going away with England feeling good about yourself is important; you look forward to meeting up with the boys.

"I believe if I do what I'm doing at club level I'll get the opportunity (with England). Then I've got to try and keep the shirt."

Reflecting on a possible international link-up with Wayne Rooney, he added: "Some say little and large is better up front but I don't agree. Look at some of the best football teams in the world - Manchester United play with Rooney and (Carlos) Tevez.

"I've played with Rooney before and it could work."

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