A double from Jermain Defoe along with goals from Hermann Hreidarsson and Kanu after Birmingham had come back to level from two goals down was enough to claim victory for Pompey.

Redknapp said: "We were two goals up in nine minutes and it could have been four, five or even six soon afterwards.

"But we let Birmingham back in it and Sylvain (Distin) seemed to lose his concentration on their first goal which they got at just the right time - seconds after our second.

"It was unlike him to make such a slow start. He didn't pick up his man when they scored their first but it must have been because he was at the hospital nearly all day with his wife.

"She still hasn't had the baby. Hopefully it will arrive well before the semi final day now. That's all we need."

Redknapp is not enjoying the role of FA Cup favourites after beating Manchester United in the quarter finals but his team showed they are relishing their new opportunity.

vital asset

It was their 13th Barclays Premier League victory of the season and it put them seventh in the table.

Defoe has now scored five times since his move from Tottenham Hotspur in January but having played for Spurs in both the Carling and FA Cups, he is cup-tied.

But Redknapp said: "He was the first to text us congratulations after we beat Manchester United and that shows the spirit in the camp.

"Of course, we will take him to Wembley - as our guest. And meanwhile he will be a vital asset as we just try to churn out as many more league wins as possible to finish high in the table.

"For me it looks like just five European places available from the league positions now with Everton and Liverpool scrapping for the fifth place but, in all honesty, you never know what can happen."