Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has admitted that being a new dad feels "amazing".

The England international is no longer with ex-girlfriend Anne-Marie Moore, who gave birth to his son Joshua-James last month, but believes that he is "blessed" following a tough year for his family.

The 30-year-old lost his father Jimmy and his 20-year-old cousin Hannah, who was electrocuted in a hotel pool in St Lucia just months later.

"Being a new dad is amazing," The Express quotes Defoe as saying. "For me it's the first and it's hard to put into words what it feels like. Anyone with kids can understand what I'm saying.

"It changes your mentality, the way you think. Last year was a difficult time for my family. Losing people close to you is difficult. And in a way I feel I'm blessed where you lose people and then God gives you someone else.

"Another little Defoe in the family. It has been great for me, my mum, sister and everyone. I just feel blessed."

Meanwhile, Defoe has admitted to mocking teammate Gareth Bale for giving his baby daughter the same initials as manager Andre Villas-Boas.