Spurs development coach Clive Allen, once a prolific striker himself, told Defoe to change his green boots - resulting in five goals in the 9-1 victory at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

It was Spurs' biggest victory for 32 years, since they defeated Bristol Rovers, and it sent the club back into the Barclays Premier League top four, three points clear of Aston Villa in fifth.

"I had a funny feeling before the game," Defoe said. "I had a pair of green boots and I tried them on before the game, but Clive Allen said I couldn't wear them, so I changed them.

"They were pinkish silver ones in the end, and I go and score five."

Peter Crouch's early strike gave Harry Redknapp's men a half-time lead, with nothing at that stage suggesting Spurs would almost hit double figures.

Robbie Keane, who was rested following his World Cup efforts for Republic of Ireland last week, told his team-mates in the dressing room at half-time that they needed a second goal to kill Wigan off.

Defoe, when asked if they needed the ninth goal, joked: "Maybe a 10th."

Aaron Lennon and Niko Kranjcar also netted, while David Bentley's free-kick went in off Chris Kirkland, who made a string of fine saves despite the scoreline.

Redknapp believes his player can finish top goalscorer in the league and cement himself in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad with England.

"I don't see why Defoe can't be the top scorer in the Premier League this season," the Spurs manager said. "It's about time he scored 20 goals in a season. I don't know whether he's done it before, maybe with West Ham, but he should be able to do that.

"He's been so sharp in training. You could see this coming."