Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp believes Lassana Diarra could be one of the game's greats.

He told the Portsmouth News: "He was absolutely fantastic for us against Middlesbrough and he played just like that for France against Serbia in the week.

"He's just an outstanding player. From day one he's been excellent for us. He started with a bang in his first appearance against Derby and kept it up ever since.

"Lassana really is a special, young player and in my mind has the ability to be one of the best, certainly in Europe, no doubt about that. It's all there for him - the sky is the limit.

"It's about how hard he wants to continue working at his game because I don't think there is anything else stopping him. Look at him - he's young, skilful, pacy and strong - very strong. He can play any position in midfield, he's that good, he really is.

"Gary O'Neil is a good player, but you would not want to play against Diarra - he caused Gary all sorts of problems the other day. There was no stopping him."