Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp reckons he may need "three or four" new players in January to compensate for those going to the African Nations.

Key men Muntari (Ghana), Papa Bouba Diop (Senegal), Kanu and John Utaka (both Nigeria) go off to the African Nations Cup in January for up to four weeks.

Redknapp admitted: "People tell me we've got a strong squad but we haven't. When the African Nations Cup comes round, I lose five players (if Djimi Traore is also called up by Mali) and I'll have exactly 14 outfield players left who can play at Premier League level. That's all.

"We need another three or four in January, loans or something to fill up the squad because if we get an injury we are in trouble. There are no young kids here from the reserves I can throw in."