Brian Deane has paid tribute to the professionalism of Jermain Defoe as two of his former teams prepare to lock horns in the Premier League on Wednesday.
The 49-year-old made just shy of 100 appearances for the Teesside club during three seasons before later joining Sunderland in the twilight of his career for a brief spell.
Deane, who is renowned for netting the first goal in the Premier League, forged a fine partnership with Jermain Defoe which saw the duo score 29 goals during the 2003/04 season.
And as Defoe hunts down his 158th top-flight goal, as well as his 15th of the season, Deane has paid homage to the sharpness of the 34-year-old who recently saw his efforts rewarded with an England recall.
“I know Jermain and he is a fantastic played,” the towering striker said.
“Jermain has spent his time at huge clubs down in the south of England and Jermain coming to Sunderland when he did was a good fit.
“He is mature and the team play to his strengths. He is one of the best finishers I have seen and I have played with some good players.
“I have seen him play this season and in a one-on-one situation he has still got what he had 10 years ago which is that he can get shots off and he is still extremely sharp,” he continued.
“That is testament to him and how he looks after himself.
Sunderland tasted victory the last time the two sides met at the Riverside, with Stephane Sessegnon striking late to deal Boro a knockout blow on Teesside.
And while Deane hasn’t represented the Lads in a Tees-Wear match, the striker is all too aware of the importance such a fixture holds in the region.
“It is a special game because the three clubs in the north east have great sets of fans.
“They love their football and it can be very hard for players to settle because the fans expect so much, but it is a great place to be if you are doing well.”
