Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp was thrilled with the debut of fullback Nadir Belhadj in their victory over Middlesbrough.

Redknapp smiled: "It's true he doesn't speak a word of English - which is good really! When I was saying 'buck your ideas up', he thought I was saying 'Well done'.

"At half-time I was telling him 'you're left-back, Traore's left wing' and he was looking at me thinking 'what's he talking about?'

"But I think he's a real talent and he did really well when he came on."

After the successful use of wing-backs in the 3-0 win at Everton last time out, Redknapp reverted to a 4-4-2 for the second half and the tactical move paid dividends as Pompey bossed the second period.

Redknapp explained: "I've been excited by the lad Belhadj in training and I thought 'let's have a go at them, stick him at left-back and push Traore up one'.

"I thought their pace and ability would cause problems and I was delighted to get three points."

Redknapp, however, insists that the language barrier will not be a problem for his newest recruit.

The Pompey boss said: "We've got a load of French guys who can translate but I think he'll learn English before I learn French!"