Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is convinced new signing Martin Cranie has the ability to reach the very top in the game.

He said of the former Southampton defender: "Martin is an England under-19 international and a young lad with terrific talent. He's a good defender, he's quick and was the outstanding player for me along with Theo Walcott in the Southampton youth team that got to the cup final.

"It's not a gamble, he's got a bit of pedigree there.

"It depends how much he wants it but he has the chance of being a top player, definitely.

"Martin's got a good engine, gets up and down, reads the game well and can play at right-back, centre-half or even midfield at a pinch.

"If he works hard at his game, he can be a big player for this football club."