CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IS MY AIM SAYS DEFOE.

SPURS striker Jermain Defoe has revealed his determination to play in the Champions League and believes winning the Golden Boot this season will help his side qualify for Europe's top club competition.

The 27-year-old leads the scoring charts after his five goals in the 9-1 demolition of Wigan on Sunday, taking his Premier League tally to 11 and moving Spurs back into the top four.

England boss Fabio Capello has warmed to Defoe so a ticket to the World Cup next year looks increasingly likely - and by that time the former Portsmouth striker hopes to be preparing to face the best at club level too.

"I'd like the Golden Boot as it would be my first," he said. "I'd like (Tottenham) to finish fourth to be honest, it would be fantastic for the club.

"I always watch football and I always watch Champions League games. It's a competition where you're playing against the best.

"I'd be playing against the best defenders in the world in a great competition."

With Defoe, Robbie Keane and Peter Crouch providing the goals for boss Harry Redknapp, there is genuine hope of staying in the top four if their strikers keep scoring.

"In my first season here I got 22," Defoe said. "I just want to keep doing it. At the end of the day it's good for the club if I score goals because it means we are winning games.

"It's the World Cup year and that is at the back of your mind but it's important to focus on your club, keep your head down and give yourself the best opportunity to get on the plane."

Defoe has scored goals throughout his career but Redknapp has noticed a difference this year. His striker broke his foot in January and used the time on the sidelines to bulk up his upper-body strength.