Redknapp targets top four

Pompey set out with a UEFA Cup place as their primary aim this season once top-flight survival had been secured but now even the naturally-cautious Redknapp is aiming for the top.

But the veteran manager knows the dangers of raising expectations and points out: "The trouble is that five or six other teams are entitled to have that ambition as well. Everton, Aston Villa, Blackburn, West Ham even Spurs - despite their bad start - are all very strong."

But if the accepted top four has suddenly become a top three because of Liverpool's failing, then Redknapp is convinced Pompey are one of the challengers.

He admits: "At the start of the season I would have said it was completely unrealistic. I really couldn't see anybody else but the usual teams being in the top four.

"I thought Liverpool, when we played them in Hong Kong in the summer, had the players to be a real title force.

"But for whatever reason they now have no chance of the championship and if you had told me then we would be this close in points to them at this stage I wouldn't have believed you.

"It becomes a bit monotonous the same old names at the top. So it would be a good thing if it changed. It is going to be very tight (for fourth place) but we are in the mix and we've got a chance."

Redknapp had to sell top scorer Benjani Mwaruwari to Manchester City and reliable Matt Taylor to Bolton to raise the cash to buy £7.5million England striker Defoe from Tottenham, £5.5million France midfielder Diarra from Arsenal and Baros, on loan from French champions Lyon.

But he insists: "I'm absolutely delighted with the signings I've made. They are all young, Diarra is only 22, but also experienced and great assets for the future as well as now."