Heskey is a player the Pompey manager knows well - having considered signing him in the past, and he has prepared his defenders ready for Saturday's encounter.

Redknapp said: "Heskey up front is a handful and there is Marlon King too now.

"On his day he is a test for anybody and him and King will be a real test for us. Heskey is what I call an old fashioned centre-forward and there is not many of them about these days.

"I would have him any day - I looked at signing him in the past. Look at how well he was playing for England until he got injured, he was superb.

"I went to watch Wigan against Manchester City a few weeks ago and Heskey caused them big problems. He's a real danger and we've got to watch him."

In a season in which the England international has been hit by injury problems, Heskey has found the back of the net twice in the Barclays Premier League.

His strike partner, King, opened his account with the Latics last week, with a spot-kick against Blackburn Rovers.