Jermain Defoe shares intimate baby photo showing him in the arms of his mother

Jermain Defoe may have been a part of many formidable partnerships over the course of his career but there's one relationship which the Sunderland striker holds dearer than all others.

Defoe took to social media on Monday to post a picture of his infant self in the arms of his mother, Sandra, with the caption 'Mum and little jd just chilling #specialbond'. 

The pair share more than just a striking resemblance, with Sandra often involved in her son's career decisions.

Jermain Defoe shared a picture of himself as a baby with his mother Sandra via Instagram on Monday

Sunderland striker Defoe, pictured with Sandra and sister Chonte (left), has a close relationship with his mum

The former England frontman has previously spoken of the influence his mum's parenting has had on his career, saying in an interview in 2014: 'My mum was really strict on me so I was in bed by nine o'clock.

The ex-England frontman credits his mother's 'strict' parenting as being a big influence on his career

'She used to say things like 'You need to go to bed early, you've got training tomorrow, you can't eat this, you've got eat this.'

'No matter what happens, even if I go to bed at midnight I'll give it 100 per cent in training. But that discipline from day one was so important because now I'm so disciplined and my mum's probably the reason why.

'When I was young I used to eat the right things. I used to go to bed early, so from a young age I had a lot of energy for training. I could always train well. I could always play well. Every day she would drum into me the importance of doing the right things.'

Defoe will be back in action for the Black Cats on Sunday in a crucial Tyne-Wear derby clash with Newcastle and the striker believes Sunderland have the upper hand going into the tie at St James' Park.

'We've got the psychological advantage, 100 per cent,' he told The Chronicle.

'When you've beaten a team six times you have to be honest, it's going to be on their minds that we've lost to this team the last six times.

'For us we've beaten Newcastle six times so let's make it seven.

'It's important we stay relaxed and try to go out and enjoy it. As a footballer they're the games you want to play in.'

Defoe believes Sunderland have the psychological edge on Newcastle going into Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby