Calum Davenport has admitted he was convinced to join Saints by the persuasive powers of Mr Redknapp - Jamie Redknapp, that is.

The 22-year-old centre half has joined from Tottenham on loan until the end of the season and is in line to make his Saints debut against Fulham at St Mary's tonight.

The highly rated former Coventry defender first knew about Redknapp senior's interest in him a week ago - and Redknapp junior, who also knew he was going to be moving south to Saints, put in a few good words on his dad's behalf.

Davenport said: "I was sitting on the bench at Tottenham and not really playing much and I'm young and I'm fit, and I want to be playing.

"I spoke with Jamie and he asked if I'd be interested and I said 'definitely' and it went from there.

"It took a week or so for the transfer window to open and then I came down here. Tottenham can't recall me now so hopefully I can settle in.

"Speaking to Jamie he said 'My dad will get us playing, he's a proper players' manager' and that's what convinced me to come down here.

"Harry's in charge but Jamie was telling me the plans and said we could get a few results and for me it's a massive challenge and I'm looking forward to it and if we do the business we'll get out of the position we're in."

Davenport has already been out on loan at West Ham this season but was recalled after a spate of injuries at White Hart Lane.

But crucially for Saints that won't happen again as Davenport cannot be recalled and is at St Mary's until the end of the season come what may, something which he is very happy about.

"I'm pleased there's no recall," he said. "It's been quite a strange season so far and I'd like to get settled and play week in week out bar injuries."

He added: "I think in any job if you are low then you don't perform but if you're on cloud nine then you perform.

"Everyone seems to be confident and everyone knows tonight's a massive game we need to win.

"When I turned up I didn't know what to expect but all the lads seem really nice and made me welcome.

"They all seem upbeat and confident and hopefully we can take that into the game.

"It's an old-fashioned six-pointer and we're at home so, if we can win, it can kick start our season.

"We've got in a couple of new faces now and hopefully that might give everyone a lift and we can move on from here now."