Redknapp looks on the bright side

HARRY REDKNAPP is refusing to panic despite seeing Portsmouth’s chronic homesickness jeopardise their tilt at a European place.

Pompey have won six consecutive away games — seven including the Carling Cup success at Burnley — but have failed to triumph at home since the end of September.

Dimitar Berbatov’s late goal saw Spurs claim victory with Pompey dropping from fifth to seventh in the Premier League as a result.

However, Redknapp is still pleased with his side’s achievements so far this season and tipped Spurs to start climbing the table.

Redknapp said: “We are still punching well above our weight. Sure, we’ve spent money and improved the side this year but I’ll still be happy if I can keep us in the top half of the table. Look at Spurs’ squad and they really should do a lot better. And now I think they will.

“They’ve got Berbatov and Darren Bent up front costing a combined €40million and then, with Robbie Keane suspended, they can still bring on Jermain Defoe. What would people give to have him in their team?”

Berbatov scored Tottenham’s winner nine minutes from the end with a simple finish thanks to Aaron Lennon’s clever cross.

Ramos has followed predecessor Martin Jol’s policy and started Defoe only once in his 10 games in charge although he may be in the starting line-up against Manchester City in the Carling Cup quarter final tomorrow.

Ramos, the former Sevilla manager who is still not confident enough to speak any English, said: “We have four strikers all at a very high level and must give them all games.”

For all the attacking intent of both sides there were precious few goal threats.

Sylvain Distin and Campbell defended stoutly again for Pompey but were let down by right back Glen Johnson’s absence upfield when Berbatov scored unopposed.

For Spurs, Didier Zokora looked a better bet at centre back than in his more familiar midfield role.

Filling in for Michael Dawson, who was sent to hospital suffering a severe migraine, he was one of the main reasons Portsmouth extended their goalless home drought to four games.

PORTSMOUTH (4-3-3): James 5, Johnson 7, Campbell 5, Distin 6, Pamarot 6 (Hreidarsson 74, 5), Utaka 4, Diop 6, Pedro Mendes 6 (Davis 46, 5), Muntari 5 (Nugent 65, 6), Kranjcar 6, Benjani 5.

Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Taylor.

TOTTENHAM (4-4-2): Robinson 7, Chimbonda 6, Zokora 8, Kaboul 6, Lee 6, Lennon 7 (Tainio 86, 5), Jenas 6, Boateng 6 (O’Hara 78, 5), Malbranque 6, Berbatov 7, Bent 6 (Defoe 74, 6).

Subs Not Used: Cerny, Stalteri.

REFEREE: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire) 7: Little to trouble him but showed admirable composure throughout. Correctly disallowed Tottenham’s first-half ‘goal’.

MATCH RATING: ** A deserved win for Tottenham, who are gradually reasserting themselves after a horrible start to the season. Pompey’s home woes show no sign of ending.