Redknapp rescued Defoe from Tottenham Hotpsur in January, offering the striker an opportunity to reignite his career.

Defoe has responded in exactly the manner Redknapp wanted and England coach Fabio Capello is getting the spin-off.

"I have benefited from moving to Portsmouth and I am so glad I made that decision," said the 25-year-old. "I was at Spurs for three-and-a-half years and most of the time I was really happy. I had some great moments there.

"But towards the end, it started to get difficult. There comes a time when you need to move on, play football and be happy again. That is what happened to me."